Rider Magazine - Fall 2023

GLOBETROTTING

Nearly 100 Broncs studied abroad in Ireland, Greece, England, Scotland and Italy this summer. For more than 30 years, Rider students have been able to learn abroad. Shortterm, semester-long and summer study abroad programs are available. Pictured above, students who attended the Well-Being in Greece program learned about the relationship between local diet, activity and longevity, and had the opportunity to explore historical sites in Athens.

PHOTO BY BUDDY LOSAVIO

FEATURES

18 14

creature keepers lives transformed

Four Broncs have had life-changing experiences all thanks to the generosity of donors

For the love of animals, alumni create positive environmental impact

DEPARTMENTS

from the president rider roundup faculty profile go broncs! class notes

Editor

Rachel Stengel ’14 ‚ ’20

Art Direction and Design

Tiffani Bogda ’21

Assistant Editor

Tatiana Sciancalepore

Photography

Peter G. Borg

Contributing Writers

Diane Cornell

Adam Grybowski

Gregory Ott

Contributing Designers & Illustrators

Natalie Nguyen

Sarah Oskay

Megan Rosanova

Contributing Photographers

Monterey Bay Aquarium

President

Gregory G. Dell ’Omo ‚ Ph.D.

Associate Vice President for University Marketing & Communications

Kristine A. Brown

Alumni Association President

Eileen Wirth ’88 ‚ ’95

Director, Creative Services

Buddy Losavio

To reach us, write to: 2083 Lawrenceville Road

Lawrenceville ‚ NJ 08648-3099

609-896-5000 magazine@rider.edu

rider.edu/ridermagazine

Rider (USPS 892-560) is published for the Rider University community, including alumni, parents ‚ faculty and staff ‚ by Rider University.

Dear alumni and friends,

Education transforms a person, so much so that the accomplished, confident senior does not recognize the timid freshman who first stepped foot on campus. With the support of faculty and staff, students find pathways to create meaningful careers after graduation. Through interactions with their peers, our Broncs learn valuable life lessons, while alumni and donor support allows them to embrace opportunities they might never have considered possible.

In this issue of Rider magazine, you’ll learn about some of the life-changing experiences that have been created thanks to the generosity of donors to the University’s largest fundraising campaign ever, Transforming Students - Transforming Lives. Transformation happens in many ways. Experiencing new cultures through studying abroad, taking on new leadership opportunities and achieving personal milestones are just some of the ways our students grow during their time at Rider.

So many of the campaign’s supporters have been alumni, a beautiful example of how our Broncs are always willing to make a difference for future generations. Similarly, three alumnae featured in this magazine are striving to improve the environment through their work with animals. They are dedicated to educating others and researching how creatures play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Stories like these showcase the incredible influence our graduates have in their communities. The way our alumni are transforming the greater world and their alma mater for its current and future students makes us all so proud. Go Broncs!

Sincerely,

Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D. President, Rider University

our broncs are always willing to make a difference for future generations.

We have a seat with your name on it!

Make your mark at Rider with a $500 donation to name a chair in:

» Alumni Gym (home to the future Rider Arena)

» Muller’s Pub, or

» Mike and Patti Hennessy Science and Technology Center

RIDER.EDU/NAMEASEAT

Student workers

Having a job while being a student can be quite the juggling act. For many alumni, an on-campus job not only helped them earn some cash but was also a fundamental way to learn time management, take on more responsibility and, sometimes, even have a little fun.

We asked alumni to tell us about their most memorable on-campus job. Here’s what they said.

“I worked in Facilities, which was pretty great because it’s where my dad [Chuck] worked. My dad passed away in 2013. I attended Rider from 2016–20, so I never worked with him. Instead, I worked with the people that knew him as Chuck. I heard stories and received one of his jackets that they held on to in case myself or my brother attended Rider.”

Alyssa Lintz ’20, history major

“I served as a peer counselor and academic counselor for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). As a first-generation college student, I attended the EOP Summer Program in 1998. It prepared me to enter my freshman year with the skills and drive to finish well. These two job opportunities allowed me to pay it forward and prepare the next generation of students for college success and holistic wellness.”

Shavonne D. Carter ’04, ’08, ’10, bachelor’s in human resource management, master’s in counseling services, educational specialist degree in counseling services

“Animal care keeper for Dr. [Todd] Weber’s lab! It was super hands-on and challenging, but fun!

Nicole Chen ’22, biology major biology major

“I worked in the Office of Information Technologies, where I started my professional IT journey. I learned about LAN/WAN and got to drive the golf cart around campus.”

Marshall Mintz ’94, business administration major

“I would work the ticket booth or usher at concerts and plays at the theater in the Fine Arts building. For one particular concert, featuring classical pianist Philippe Entremont, I had to babysit his white French poodle backstage for the entire performance.”

Ed Gershowitz ’75, history and program for administrators double major

Illustrations by Megan Rosanova

“ SHE’S SO LUCKY. SHE’S A STAR.”

Gabrielle Beckford ’17 made her Broadway debut in the new musical Once Upon a One More Time She plays Rapunzel in the revisionist fairytale set to the hit music of Britney Spears.

Top of the charts

It’s official: 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM is the best in the nation. The student-run radio station was named the Best College/University Radio Station (under 10,000 students) at the 2023 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Awards. Senior film and television major Jake Serrano also won the Best Sports Update award for The Overtime , a daily two-minute sports report on 107.7 The Bronc Retro WRRC2. It was the second consecutive win for The Overtime in the category.

Let’s give ’em something to taco-bout

Nick DeAngelo ’14 (center) is one of the founders of the Jersey Shore-based restaurant chain Tacoholics. What started as a food truck (which they still proudly own and operate) has developed into six brick and mortar restaurants with a seventh location on the way and franchising opportunities becoming available in the near future.

NEW CLUB ON THE BLOCK

Rider Mock Trial made its mark during its first year of competition. The team compiled a 7-1 record, including a 2-0 sweep against the top-seeded team in the American Mock Trial Association tournament hosted by Princeton University earlier this year. The team earned a spot in the Opening Round Championship Series, the national semifinals of the mock trial world.

Roomies

Through a new partnership, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) students are now living on Rider’s campus while taking courses at the West Windsor, New Jersey, community college. MCCC is the first county community college in the state to offer students the option of a residential campus experience.

ON THE BIG SCREEN

NATIONAL CHAMPS

The Rider University Model United Nations (UN) dynasty continued this year as the team brought home its 14th Outstanding Delegation Award at the 2023 national Model UN conference in New York City. The award is the highest honor given at the conference. The team also won a Position Paper Award for the work done by seniors Maria Castillo, a political science major, and Bobby Barbero, a global studies major.

Matt Cook ’06 starred alongside Woody Harrelson in the heartwarming comedy Champions , which premiered in March. He played Sonny, the low-level assistant to Harrelson’s character, Marcus. Together, they coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities.

The gift of teaching

Trustee Christopher Nikolich ’92 gave a $50,000 unrestricted gift in honor of his wife, Bethann Fleming Nikolich ’93 , to support Transforming Students – Transforming Lives: The Campaign for Rider University . Rider celebrated by naming a lounge in Bierenbaum Fisher Hall, home to the College of Education and Human Services, after Bethann, a Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, teacher.

T. Oliver Reid

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS

I THINK IT’S THE JOB OF ONE GENERATION TO PASS THAT KNOWLEDGE ON TO THE NEXT GENERATION.

With more than 20 years of Broadway experience, T. Oliver Reid has established himself as a force in the performing arts. From his humble beginnings in Gastonia, North Carolina, to his recent role as Hermes in the Broadway production of Hadestown, Reid has captivated audiences with his talent and unwavering dedication to the craft.

A multifaceted artist, Reid has amassed a repertoire that includes 14 Broadway productions, numerous cabaret performances and notable appearances in television and film. He has been featured on several Grammy Award-winning recordings, and Drop Me Off in Harlem, a show he wrote, directed and starred in, garnered multiple awards.

As an assistant professor in the Department of Performing Arts at Rider, he seamlessly imparts his theatrical expertise while modeling values of respect and professionalism to his students.

“So much of performing is learning how to deal with relationships,” says Reid. “If you have those skills, you can use them in any area of your life.”

In 2019, Reid co-founded the Black Theatre Coalition, a nonprofit organization committed to dismantling systemic racism and bias in the theater industry.

“I’m always looking for ways to pursue my activism,” he says, “whether it’s through my work with the coalition or through supporting political candidates that are upholding the rights of the many.”

In recognition of his commitment to inclusivity and positive social change, Reid was recently honored with the prestigious Arts in Action Award by Big Apple Performing Arts, the nonprofit management company for New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and Youth Pride Chorus.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ESTABLISH THE BLACK THEATRE COALITION?

I had this idea of doing a concert series that would shine a light on Black artists on Broadway. My colleagues and I began looking for a way to build an organization that would provide that platform for them. When we looked at the data, we realized that the need was even greater than we originally thought.

WHERE IS THE NEED FOR CHANGE MOST PROFOUND?

There are plenty of Black and Brown bodies on stage, which gives the illusion that things are better, but we need to start talking about the crew, the administration, the production, all of it. All these areas are integral to making theater happen, so we want to make sure that they are also represented by our community.

WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE?

By Tatiana Sciancalepore Photo by Peter G. Borg

Our goal is to reach a 500% increase in every aspect of the theater industry by the year 2030. That may sound like a large number, but in some areas it’s really just five people. If we don’t provide space for these new creatives and their stories there will be no American theater.

HIGHLIGHTS ATHLETIC

the maac championship will forever stand out as one of the most exciting days of my life. it demanded a complete team effort , and i could not be more proud of my teammates.

Luke Lesch ’23 played a pivotal role in both Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship games last spring, delivering a clutch one-out single in game one and unleashing a powerful home run to right field in game two.

» THE CHAMPS

The Broncs earned five MAAC Championships this spring. Both the men’s and women’s track and field teams won the indoor and outdoor MAAC Championships, while baseball brought home the championship by defeating top-seeded Fairfield University.

»

OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS

Graduate student Teagan Schein-Becker ’22 was named the 2023 MAAC Track Most Outstanding Performer during the women’s track and field outdoor MAAC Championship, while senior Artie Burgess was named the 2023 MAAC Track Most Outstanding Performer during the men’s track and field outdoor MAAC Championship. Schein-Becker was also an NCAA East Preliminary Qualifier in the 1500 meters.

» PITCH PERFECT

Graduate student Danny Kirwin ’22 earned MAAC Baseball Relief Pitcher of the Year and was named a Third Team All-American by Collegiate Baseball . He earned the win in the Broncs’ NCAA regional upset of nationally ranked No. 10 Coastal Carolina University.

» MAKING HISTORY

Sophomore Stavros Hadjivarnava and junior Dhruv Tangri became the Broncs’ first-ever All-MAAC selections in men’s tennis. Hadjivarnava took First Team and Tangri was named to the Second Team.

» TWO-TIME TRIUMPH

In addition to an All-League First Team honor, senior Jessie Niegocki was selected to the All-Northeast Region First Team for softball for the second straight year.

» FAMILIAR FACE

Alicia Govannicci ’14 is the new field hockey head coach. She returns to Rider, where she played for the Broncs for four seasons.

alicia

BOB HAMER’S TRACK AND FIELD TEAMS MADE RIDER HISTORY

By Adam Grybowski

As a coach, Bob Hamer doesn’t like to fixate on outcomes, even if the sport he leads at Rider University often revolves around getting to the finish line. Instead, Hamer and his staff prefer to focus on the individual steps their runners, jumpers and throwers need to take moment by moment to succeed.

“There is no day two without day one,” says Hamer, Rider’s director of cross country, track and field, “and that’s why we have to live in the moment and have a great day one.”

Last May, that philosophy helped Rider earn both the men’s and women’s outdoor and indoor titles during the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournaments. The four victories were a Rider first. The only other time the men and women both earned a title in the same year was 2013, when both teams won the outdoor championships.

Because track and field is among the few sports where the men’s and women’s teams operate in tandem, one of Hamer’s challenges is to build a culture of support when one side is up and the other is down.

“Even though track can be a segmented sport, we’re all in this together,” he says.

“Winning four titles in one year is unique, and it’s something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives, but we’re not always going to have this kind of success. We have to make sure we not only love winning but can also enjoy the journey along the way.”

Hamer’s coaching philosophy has been developing since he was a runner at Penn

State. The two-time All-American twice helped the Nittany Lions finish in the top 15 teams in the nation in cross country. It was during those experiences when he first felt the pride that comes from not only chasing individual success but representing an entire institution.

“By putting on the singlet, you’re not just representing yourself but your team and your university and those who came before you,” Hamer says. “That’s something that really shaped me.”

Despite graduating with a degree in finance and visions of himself as an investment banker, he switched gears and enrolled in a graduate program at West Chester University, earning a master’s degree in sports administration. Two coaching positions, at Devon Preparatory School and Saint Joseph’s University, preceded his move to Rider in 2007. Since then, he has been named MAAC Coach of the Year 10 times.

Now, having made Rider history last season, he knows he faces the complex challenge of leading new teams this academic year with outsized expectations of repeating the championship sweep. As always, Hamer doesn’t plan on letting anyone get ahead of themselves.

“We’ll be excited, even though we’ll have targets on our backs,” he says, “and one of the keys to our success will be to stop our athletes from fast-forwarding to the end.”

meet four broncs whose lives have been impacted by the power of generosity

LIVES

TR A N

S F O R M E D

Since the beginning of Transforming Students — Transforming Lives , Rider’s largest fundraising campaign ever, thousands of alumni and friends of the University have made gifts big, small and historic. Though the campaign is still in progress, the impact of donors’ generosity has already created life-changing experiences for Rider Broncs.

A CAREER-CHANGING CONFERENCE

by diane cornell

Though Sam Haines earned a scholarship from Google to attend the Great Minds in STEM conference last fall, it didn’t cover all the expenses associated with attending the event in Pasadena, California.

Haines, a senior computer science major, is no stranger to challenges. At 13, she became a caretaker to her father, who was ill for most of Haines’ life and, sadly, passed away from COVID-19.

At Rider, Haines works multiple jobs and is active on campus, including serving as vice president of the Gail Bierenbaum Women’s Leadership Council where she first learned of the Women Helping Women Fund created by Laura Glotzbach ’97.

“I wanted to find a way to help student members of the Women’s Leadership Council say yes to opportunities without having to worry about the cost,” says Glotzbach. “The Women Helping Women Fund covers expenses that are outside of tuition and books but are still essential to a college education.”

Because of the fund, Haines was able to attend the conference. There, she landed an interview, which led to an on-thespot job offer from a representative of Lockheed Martin. After working there as a part-time software engineering aide, she spent the past summer working strategy communications at IBM in New York.

“That conference allowed me to compete in case study competitions and participate in research workshops, further growing my problem solving and technical skills,” she says. “Without it, I doubt I would have gotten the opportunity with Lockheed Martin, which helped launch my career.”

Illustrations by Natalie Nguyen

Nwith all expenses paid soon after graduation.

Encouraged to apply by two professors, RodriguezMeza received a scholarship from the James P. Bush International Immersion Endowment, established by Trustee James P. Bush ’80 and his wife, Nancy. “My family and I want as many students as possible to benefit from the enriching experience of international travel,” says Bush.

Rodriguez-Meza was a little anxious about how he would be perceived in Ireland. As typically the only Latino throughout his early schooling years, he felt the color of his skin was the first thing people noticed.

“I learned that I have to let go of the fear of being Brown and traveling through a primarily white country because it’s holding me back from taking on even more opportunities,” he says. “I loved every second of the experience in Ireland.”

From surfing to rock climbing to horse racing, the trip focused on the business of sports in Ireland. As he continues to travel for his job with EY in technology risk consulting, Rodriguez-Meza says he will embrace the lessons learned about business, but also life.

Ndent is not easy, but Kayla McIntyre found her footing quickly.

As last year’s recipient of The Joseph ’93 and Kiersty McDougall Endowed Scholarship, which benefits ambitious first-generation students, she exemplifies what it means to flourish as a student.

In her words, she “hit the ground running” because of the support received from the Multicultural Student Leadership Institute, which helps students from diverse backgrounds transition to college life. She became the Student Government Association freshman class president before joining Rider’s Black Student Union, where she has served as president since her junior year. And this past summer, she interned with the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation in the office of Sen. Renee C. Burgess.

A senior global studies major, she even had the opportunity to submit a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize through a class and met Dr. Asle Toje of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee. “The class really opened up doors about how to communicate with other people from all different parts of the world,” she says.

Upon graduation this spring, she hopes to either attend law school or pursue a doctorate in international relations.

“We are thrilled to play a small part in Kayla’s success at Rider,” says Trustee Joseph McDougall ’93, who was a first-generation student himself. “When we established our scholarship, Kayla is exactly the type of student we had in mind.”

TOP OF HER GAME

by diane cornell

Last spring, Natya Glasco ’23 accomplished one of the greatest achievements possible for a student-athlete. She became a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion, earning gold in shot put.

It takes a significant support system for such an achievement. For Glasco, her network encompassed family, faculty, coaches, teammates and friends, as well as scholarship donors.

When Jason E. ’00 and Sheree Duval ’01, ’07 Dublin established The Dublin Family Track and Field Scholarship in 2021, they had hoped it would help athletes like Glasco. “The scholarship I received when I attended Rider meant so much to me, and I wanted to offer that same support to another student-athlete,” says Duval Dublin.

“I’m one of five kids,” says Glasco. “I am not as fortunate as other students. I am grateful for this scholarship and that I can show my siblings that if you keep your head down and work hard, people are going to bless you for that.”

Glasco is now studying for her master’s degree in athletic leadership at Rider. Her goal is to be able to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to stand up for themselves and express what they are thinking.

“I found family, I found great friends, and I found myself in the process of being on the track and field team,” she says. “I found my voice and now I want to help others find theirs too.”

i am grateful for this scholarship and that i can show my siblings that if you keep your head down and work hard, people are going to bless you for that.

THROUGH CAREERS WORKING WITH ANIMALS, GRADUATES SEEK TO DO GOOD FOR THEM AND THE ENVIRONMENT

By Adam Grybowski

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER G. BORG

As the head laboratory assistant for the Rutgers Marine Field Station, one of Miranda Rosen’s ’17 regular tasks earlier this summer was to retrieve a set of traps sitting in the thick black mud on the bottom of the Hudson River. Every week from about July through September, she piloted a 24-foot boat with a crew made up of technicians and interns from the Field Station and the Hudson River Park Trust, which are collaborating on a five-year project examining efforts to increase the waterway’s biodiversity.

Black sea bass, blue crabs and oyster toadfish are among the limited number of species that reliably appear in the crew’s traps. Scientists are studying if the restoration of the Hudson’s once-thriving population of oysters, which have been decimated by pollution and overharvesting, will improve local water quality and increase the amount of sea life in the river.

Oysters are fantastically efficient at cleaning up water. A single adult oyster can filter as much as 50 gallons of water every day. Two years into the study, Rosen has observed new and unusual species showing up in the traps, such as pipefish, which have snakelike bodies, tube-shaped snouts and toothless mouths. “It’s so muddy down there, and the dissolved oxygen is really low, so any signs of life are a good thing,” she says.

Despite the occasionally unfavorable conditions — the crew is often exposed to punishing heat and topsy-turvy wake created by ferries and other larger sea vessels — Rosen loves her job. It allows her to take a hands-on role in a process she believes is making a true difference in improving ecosystems, which ultimately benefits a wide range of animals and organisms.

“I like being the person out there who’s pulling up the net and counting the fish and then who’s also following up on the data and analysis in the lab,” says Rosen, who majored in marine sciences at Rider. “I’m part of every step that’s involved. And then seeing all of that work come together as a report is very gratifying.”

Rosen is an example of an individual who has combined an education in the sciences with a personal passion for animals and the environment to contribute to the greater good. She stands alongside many other Rider alumni. Besides conducting research, graduates also teach, work in mission-driven zoos and aquariums, and even find entrepreneurial ways to raise awareness about why conservation and biodiversity matter to everyone.

Since 2020, Erin Mellini ’08 has been the owner of Snakes-N-Scales, a business based in Randolph, New Jersey, that offers educational programs that feature snakes, lizards, turtles and other underap-

Above, Spike the bearded dragon and Tortellini the tortoise are just some of the animals used in educational programs by Erin Mellini ’08. Right, Miranda Rosen ’17 stands on the dock of the Rutgers University Marine Field Station.

preciated animals. Mellini says an audience’s reaction to these misunderstood and occasionally maligned organisms is as predictable as a chameleon changing color. First, she elicits delight by showing off the adorable, approachable turtles. Then a sense of wariness rises when the lizards make an appearance. “And finally when we take out the snakes, that’s when the screaming starts,” she says.

The drama has a purpose greater than mere entertainment. Through Snakes-N-Scales, Mellini adopts exotic pets that owners are no longer able to care for and gives them a home and a role in the company’s educational programs. Few of these animals are suitable as pets, or even legal in certain states. One of them, an Asian water monitor, is a reptile that can exceed 6 feet in length as an adult and weigh in the range of 70 to 100 pounds.

“I’m not sure what goes through some people’s heads when they get these animals as pets,” says Mellini, who majored in biopsychology (now called behavioral neuroscience) at Rider. “People think a nice thing to do is to let them go when they realize

Clockwise from right, sea otters are one of many animals visitors encounter at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where Pamela Neeb Wade ’99 works. Rosen observes a puffer fish in her lab.

photo by monterey bay aquarium

they can’t take care of them, but pets like this should not be released because we don’t have a suitable environment for them, and ones that are able to adapt can become invasive species. It’s very damaging.”

Like Mellini, Pamela Neeb Wade ’99 introduces young people to unfamiliar animals and often gives them their first hands-on experience with them. At the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California, where she is the school programs manager, Wade says she and the staff live the institution’s mission to inspire conservation of the ocean. Many visitors to the aquarium who participate in the live animal programs that she oversees have never even seen the ocean, let alone the intriguing creatures they encounter at the aquarium, such as sharks, sea otters and penguins. For some programs, she takes teachers and teenagers into the ocean, kayaking on the bay. During others, she leads younger students below the surface, scuba diving in the Great Tide Pool.

“It’s hard to put into words what happens when you have that first-hand experience in nature,” says Wade, who studied marine sciences at Rider. “It creates a connection and changes you on a very deep level.”

For all of the joy that’s gained when sharing these direct experiences with animals and nature, it can be hard to escape a concurrent sense of foreboding as climate change unleashes extreme

heat, torrential storms and raging wildfires across the globe. Since first working at the Field Station as an intern in 2014, Rosen has watched the landscape literally transform in front of her eyes. Areas of marsh have rapidly turned sandy, and tidal flooding commonly prevents her and other workers from driving on the road that leads to their offices — the effects, she says, of rising sea levels.

Wade says that though she feels a sense of urgency every single day, she is able to take some solace in the creativity and innovation of the students who participate in the aquarium’s programs. Although most of the programs she manages take place within the aquarium, she has overseen years-long outreach initiatives that have moved participants to real action, such as a group of middle schoolers who took their concerns about single-use plastics to the Monterey City Council.

“I feel so much hope because of these young people,” she says.

Likewise, Mellini is always impressed by how even her short programs can shift a person’s perspective. “Even if they were someone who said beforehand that they hate snakes, usually by the end most people will say, ‘I might not like them still, but I appreciate them and like what they do for the planet.’ My job is a fun way to convey that message, and the younger kids, they especially get it.”

photo by monterey bay aquarium

The Annual Fund is behind every Rider success

story.

SUPPORT RIDER STUDENTS. SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND.

Rider’s Day of Giving

wednesday, nov. 1

Make a gift now — of any size — to be counted among the day’s early supporters.

RIDER.EDU/MAKEADIFFERENCE

Brenda Chavez Ramos

senior accounting major

As a freshman, Brenda secured a co-op in the Janssen Business Development Finance Department at Johnson & Johnson. From career fairs to clubs and the Office of Career Development and Success, Rider prepared her for every step of the way.

CLASS

NOTES

Tell us about your professional and personal achievements. Submit your class note to magazine@rider.edu

’60 s

Ken Karcinell ’64 self-published the book Characters , which is available on Amazon. Some of the stories in the book took place during his early “Rider Days” when Rider University was Rider College, located in Trenton. He says, “Over the course of my lifetime, I often pause to reflect on those years at Rider, and I always conclude those reflections with feelings of pride!”

’ 70 s

Martin Asiner ’70 has published a series of books on philosophy. His most recent book, Kant: A Study of His Major Works , about the German philosopher Immanuel Kant was published early in April. Asiner retired from high school and college teaching in 2020 after a 40-year career. When he is not writing about philosophy, he and his wife have weekly jaunts to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Gregory Owens ’76 was the recipient of the Champion of Justice award from the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter. The award honors an individual who has made significant strides working on a prominent social, environmental and/or economic justice issue. Owens is a licensed master social worker and worked for New York State for over 34 years before retiring in 2021.

Dear alumni and friends,

It is so exciting that another academic year is underway at Rider, and I look forward to continuing to serve as Alumni Association president.

The dedicated members of the Alumni Board — particularly the executive committee, which includes Nicole Woodland-DeVan ’98, first vice president, Anthony Celentano ’78, ’80, second vice president, and Teresa Kane ’93, ’97, secretary/ treasurer — and I will continue our efforts to further advance the Alumni Association and increase engagement with both students and alumni.

Continue to check your email for information about special alumni events, especially Homecoming! There will be significant anniversary reunions, a chance to show off your skills in ultimate frisbee and, of course, the pre-basketball game tailgate. See you there!

Eileen Wirth ’ 88, ’ 95 President, Alumni Board of Directors and Alumni Association

Weddings, births, engagements and gatherings

Brandon Scalea ’ 18 and Sarah Caldwell ’ 18, ’ 20 became engaged on March 11 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The couple met as juniors at Rider in the fall of 2016.

Lauren Mayer ’09 and Kristian Feher ’ 13 , along with big brother Hendrik, welcomed Nina Emilie Feher on Feb. 7.

Brittany Morton ’18, ’19 and Glen Rokicki ’18 became engaged on March 26 at the Barnegat Lighthouse in Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

Mickey Bagnato ’17 and Katy Weniger ’17 became engaged on May 23. The couple has been together since they met at Rider during their freshman year move-in day.

Hayley Fahey ’18, ’ 20 and Brian Kluse ’18 met freshman year in Conover Hall while living on the same floor and became great friends. By the end of their sophomore year, they started dating and have been together ever since. Kluse proposed to Fahey on the beach in Long Branch, New Jersey, where they had their first apartment together.

Anita Chomenko ’16 and Stefan Hueneke ’15 became engaged on April 7 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The couple met during their first year at Rider while attending classes for their radio and television majors.

Megan Weindorfer ’18 and Carter Siani ’19 became engaged on April 7. The couple met while working as tour guides for the Office of Admission.

Peter Butrico ’17 proposed to Jordan Shamas ’18 on Feb. 23 at sunset in Tulum, Mexico. Shamas says the answer was an easy “yes.” The couple started dating in 2016 while students at Rider.

David Eggert ’18, ’20 and Alexis Eggert (née Esposito) ’17 were married on March 10. They met through the College of Education and Human Services. Both sides of the bridal party included Rider alumni and many Rider guests.

Rachael Feller-Leone ’07 and her husband, Joe, welcomed their daughter Audriana on Feb. 2.

Robert M. Braun ’77 self-published two books, Hitting Drills and Much More and A Story of Life. A Vietnam veteran, Braun has received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star Medal for bravery and a New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal. He has had 37 op-ed letters published in local newspapers and three short stories published in national magazines. His latest book, Two Times Dead, reflects on his time in Vietnam when he was twice given last rites and survived.

Dave Sloves ’79 and his wife, Janice, welcomed their first grandchild, Dominic Jordan Sloves, on March 18 from son Andrew and daughter-in-law Melissa. Sloves enjoys being “Pops.” His other son, Phil, was married last Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis, near his fiancée’s hometown.

’ 80 s

Anastasia Brophy Snyder ’84 joined the Pittsburgh family law firm Pollock Begg as an associate attorney.

Cynthia Celmer Tomassetti ’84 was named a Top Residential Real Estate Agent in Jacksonville, Florida. She was ranked 91st out of 12,000 based on a sales volume of $9,560,000 over 12 months. Tomassetti also serves as a real estate expert for her local NBC affiliate and was recently quoted in The Washington Post ’s business section. She received a bachelor’s in communication from Rider.

Judith Atkinson (née Reid) ’85 was selected as a Distinguished College Administrator by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. This award recognizes college leaders for their outstanding support of student success. Atkinson is the

vice president of student services at Rowan College of South Jersey.

Jim Byrnes ’86 celebrated his daughter’s wedding on July 8 at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point, New Jersey. Also in attendance were Stew Staples ’86, Chris Benedict ’86, Mike Madden ’86 and Joe Breymeier ’86.

Naveen Anand ’88 was appointed president of Cirrata Group, Ambac Financial Group’s distribution division. Ambac is a financial services holding company. In this newly created position, he will be responsible for expanding Cirrata Group and building its profile in the specialty property and casualty insurance market.

’ 90 s

Ed Polansky ’91 was hired as the director of client services for Deep Blue Investment Advisors in Tampa, Florida. He will focus on building Deep Blue’s team of client services professionals to serve the firm’s growing client base. He will also provide logistical and marketing support to the client advisory team, which administers the Florida Fixed Income Trust and Texas Fixed Income Trust.

Dr. Barbara Sargent ’92 was appointed the new superintendent of West Morris Regional High School District Board of Education in New Jersey. Previously, she served as the superintendent of the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District in New Jersey.

Edward G. O’Connell ’93 was named president of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA). O’Connell, audit partner in the technology and life sciences practice at WithumSmith+Brown, has been active at the NJCPA since

Planned giving is a powerful way to transform the lives of Rider students.

To learn more, please visit rider. myplannedgift.org or contact Ryan W. Baumuller at 609-896-5233 or rbaumuller@rider.edu.

I was not college bound, but it is because Rider cares that I attended and received a scholarship. That is why I am establishing a scholarship and endowing it through my beneficiary designation of my IRA.

- Dr. Dennis O. Gehris ’69, ’72

joining in 1997 and has served as secretary and trustee. He is currently a trustee of the NJCPA Scholarship Fund and has participated in several committees and interest groups.

Kevin Toner ’93 was promoted to MITRE’s vice president, Center for Government Effectiveness and Modernization. MITRE is a company that works to advance national security and serve the public interest as an independent adviser.

Linda Walters Bakos ’93 was promoted to director of finance and administration for Ronald McDonald House of Central & Northern New Jersey, which provides a respite for thousands of families with seriously ill children while they receive care at nearby medical facilities. In this role, she is charged with ensuring the stability of the organization’s finances.

’ 00 s

Larry Steenvoorden ’00 became chief financial officer of Chembio Diagnostics, Inc., a leading point-of-care diagnostics company focused on infectious diseases. He has more than 25 years of financial leadership experience, spanning accounting, budgeting, public company reporting, business development and commercial strategy.

Terry Walsh ’00 became senior vice president of operations at SI Group, a leading performance additives company. Walsh has extensive experience in lean manufacturing, process improvement and supply chain planning. He will be responsible for overseeing SI Group’s manufacturing and engineering operations globally.

Timothy Wilkinson ’00 earned his doctorate in educational

Wearing the crown

Victoria Mozitis ’23 is Miss New Jersey 2023

By Tatiana Sciancalepore

A true Jersey girl at heart, Victoria Mozitis ’23 celebrated her victory as Miss New Jersey 2023 with an iconic pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich, a moment that gained significant attention on social media.

Laughing, she acknowledges the state’s spirited debates about the beloved deli meat’s name, saying, “That’s the thing about New Jersey, we have a lot of pride, so much so that we’re willing to fight with people about it on social media. But I think that’s part of what makes New Jersey so special.”

Having grown up in the small, shore town of Northfield, New Jersey, and earned her bachelor’s degree in musical theatre from Rider, Mozitis recognizes the full-circle significance of her win.

“To grow up and go to school here, and then be crowned Miss New Jersey – it’s incredible,” she says. “My heart is so full.”

During her undergraduate years at Rider, she also developed a strong passion for literacy, a topic she is advocating for as Miss New Jersey. As a sister of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, she and her fellow members organized a successful book drive in collaboration with the African Library Project, collecting over 700 books for Uganda.

Inspired by her love for both literacy and the arts, she recently established LEAP: Literacy Enhancement, Artistry and Performance, a community service initiative dedicated to improving global literacy through advocating for arts education. “New Jersey has the fifth-lowest literacy rate in the United States,” she says. “As Miss New Jersey, my goal is to tour schools, connect with children and provide valuable resources that foster a love of reading.”

Looking forward, Mozitis is excited to compete for the title of Miss America this January.

“Admittedly, I first got into pageantry as a means to express my passion for performance,” she says. “However, I quickly learned that Miss America is so much more than a talent or beauty competition. It’s an incredible organization of women that stands for empowerment, leadership and community service; and that’s something that I’m really excited to be a part of.”

leadership from Appalachian State University. His dissertation topic was “Factors that Influence Sense of Belonging in Student Government at a Mid-Sized Private Institution: A Collaborative Ethnographic Study.” He serves as the senior associate dean of students at Wake Forest University.

Lucia Bradford ’03, ’04 performed with other opera singers and The Harlem Chamber Players in Harlem Songfest II, a summer concert held at Columbia University’s Miller Theatre in June. She earned her bachelor’s in music education and master’s in voice performance and pedagogy from Westminster Choir College.

Dr. Angelle Richardson ’04, ’05 was promoted to department chair of the Counseling Department at Bethune-Cookman University, a historically Black university in Daytona Beach, Florida. Richardson earned her master’s and Ed.S. in counseling from Rider.

Vanessa Bekarciak ’05 was named assistant superintendent for student services for Lawrence Township Public Schools in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. She has spent 18 years in education, 14 of which as a special education administrator. Bekarciak earned her graduate degree in school psychology from Rider.

Joseph De Julius ’08 was honored with the Henry G. Cram Accreditation Leadership Award from the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. The award honors unsung heroes of the accreditation process who devote countless hours and energy to obtain and maintain accreditation of their schools. Recipients are chosen for their strong belief in and deep understanding of the

Sarah McCafferty Hoffman ’43

Dorothy Perrine Madsen ’44

Verna MacKenzie Hair ’46

Helen Zablocki Rubino ’46

Janice Doolittle Tuttle ’46

Harriet Leinbach Bormann ’47

Marie Burren Collamer ’47

Margaret Monaco Serpa ’48

Richard S. Shue ’48

Eleanor Campbell Bailey ’49

Pablo A. Nestler ’49, ’50

David Fetler ’50, ’51

Paul W. Smith ’50

John V. Bernardini Jr. ’51

Donald F. Dalrymple ’51

Karl H. Ottolini ’51

John Semus ’51

Harvey B. Yavener ’51

Paul A. Abati ’52

Janice Little Bell ’52

Daniel A. Kasha Jr. ’52

John A. Mercurio ’52

Marilyn Jean Corl Middlebrook ’52, ’63

Kenneth A. Poulsen ’52

Lenora Melzer Speer ’52

H. Richard Buchbinder ’53

Patricia Kerrigan Jones ’53

Joseph A. Casarella ’55

Margaret Ludwig Wallace ’56

Arietta E. Wismer ’56, ’74

Richard M. Young ’56

Zoanne Mouton Bayer ’57

Catherine A. Cappiello ’57

James A. Chidester ’57, ’58

Myra Ashton Gaynor ’57, ’67

Arlene J. Ludwiczak ’57

Rita Padilla Cummins ’58

Elizabeth Traynor Doan ’59

Carol Chanti Eckman ’59

Joseph G. Gordon ’59

William E. Kulsar ’59

Janet C. Mills ’59

Hubert V. Prettyman ’59

William E. Sharp ’59

Marlene Fritz Little ’60

Anne Louise Strickland ’60

James C. Warrick ’61

Robert M. Wert ’61

Harry R. Disbrow Jr. ’62

Samuel J. Dolgopol ’62

Robert A. Praskach ’62

Gloria Bader Specter ’62

Ronald F. Cadic ’63

J. Donald Wetherill ’63

Charles J. Hunter ’64

Evangeline Blazakis ’65

George P. Evans ’65

Stephen K. Kupsov ’65

Nancy Van Sciver Minuto ’65

Edward E. Scudder ’65

James H. Sedlock ’65

William A. Wilson ’65

Ronald A. Estes ’66

Joyce Cerniglia Iaccino ’66

Leah Drucker Lowenstein ’66

John H. Brobston ’67

Brian C. Douglas ’67

Henry W. Elsinger ’67

Robert D. Hoffman ’67

E. B. Young ’67

James W. Isola ’68

Edward J. Schneck ’68

Elaine Babboni Trendler ’68

Carol Bogle Appleton ’69

Robert C. Faulstich ’69

John J. Garrett ’69

Ronald M. Groomes ’69

Clarence Hoffman III ’69

Robert C. Bogdan ’70

Robert C. Howe ’70

Gary D. Brown ’71

Robert R. Kruczynski ’71 *

Richard E. Briechle ’72

Linda Fiorino Glenn ’72

George Gray ’72

Jean C. Hayes ’72

Richard A. Lamoreux ’72

Frank J. Ricketti Jr. ’72

Michael C. Von Ouhl ’72

Ernestine M. Williams ’72

C. Skardon Bliss ’73

Lynna Bagdonas Goch ’73

Ellen Segal LaCorte ’73

John N. Fox ’74

Ray F. Githens Jr. ’74

Leonard F. Wieckowski ’74

Brian D. Fogelson ’75

Paul M. Williams ’75

Arthur W. Danby Jr. ’76

Betty Lin Liu ’76

Gordon D. King ’77

Jeffrey L. Tatelman ’77

Caroline Lees McKnight ’78

J. Michael Perlitz ’78

Eugene W. Stafford Sr. ’78

Thomas R. Kirk ’79

David M. Trail ’79

Mitsuko Nishitani ’80

Linda E. Tierson ’80

Michael Tozer ’80

Luke M. Wolters ’80

Michael J. McKenna ’81

Thomas R. Small Jr. ’81

Linda S. Peck ’82

Louis A. Dimarco ’83

Helen M. Kelly ’84

Cynthia Santacroce Kern ’84

Mary E. Baird ’85

James F. Huben ’85

Scott McClain ’88, ’99

Kathryn E. Richards ’88

Janice Carmean Johnson ’90

Robert M. Galaida ’91

Jennifer Hall Elliott ’93

Kathleen Jump Gunn ’93

Linda J. MacLeod ’93

Teresa W. Thornton ’93

Michael G. Ellis ’94

James S. Little ’96

Gail Hartman ’00

Drew A. Acquaviva ’03

Anthony J. Palin ’10

Michael A. Parsons ’15

Colleen Maser Cere ’16

Michael F. Carfagno ’20

Faculty / Staff

Arlo Duba

Ann Hickey

Mary Jane Hofmann

John F. McBride

Kathleen M. Mooney

This list represents individuals who passed away from Feb. 1 through July 31, 2023. *Passed away Jan. 6, 2019

Middle States accreditation process, as well as a track record of creating and maintaining a school culture focused on continuous school improvement. De Julius is the assistant principal of Lenape High School in Medford, New Jersey.

in various industries, such as manufacturing, construction and real estate.

Allyson Brunette (née Watson) ’10 earned the Woman-Owned Business Enterprise certification from the state of Wisconsin.

Ryan LaBoy ’10 was named music director of the Berkshire Concert Choir. He has a master’s in choral conducting from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s in music education from Westminster Choir College.

Dana B. Blair ’11 is the new director of special education for the Haddonfield School District in Camden County, New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education at Rider.

Chelsea Smith ’11 is the new lifestyle director at Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes, a premier, gated, active adult community in Hoschton, Georgia. As a part of the First Service Residential team, Smith develops innovative social programs and engaging events to enhance the Cresswind community experience. Before joining Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes, Smith worked as a cruise director for American Cruise Lines, overseeing entertainment and excursions.

Joseph M. Sheehan ’12, ’14 was promoted to partner at RRBB Accountants & Advisors, a full-service accounting, advisory and consulting firm located in central New Jersey. Sheehan joined RRBB in 2015. He focuses his general accounting practice on higher-level, complicated tax issues for high-networth individuals and families. His diverse clientele also includes businesses

Joe Forte ’13 was named to ROI-NJ’s inaugural list of Leading Figures in New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ Community. The list recognized LGBTQ+ individuals that have had a significant impact in the business sector and political world. Forte currently serves as the deputy chief of staff and chief diversity officer for the New Jersey Department of State. He is also the vice chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee’s LGBTQ+ Caucus.

Jeana Sabatini-Gilbert ’14, ’18 is the new assistant principal at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education and her master’s in special education from Rider.

Yulieth Le ’15 was selected as the recipient of the Governor’s Educator of the Year award at Lawrence Intermediate School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The Governor’s Educator of the Year Recognition Program honors educators who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students. This program promotes a culture that recognizes excellence, creates a sense of pride and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators. Le is a 4th grade teacher at the school.

Anna K. Wostenberg ’16 was promoted to senior editor at Insight Editions, where she acquires and edits a wide range of officially licensed pop culture, lifestyle and entertainment books. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Rider.

’ 20 s

Erica Healy ’20, ’21 was promoted to audit and assurance senior at Deloitte. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from Rider.

Tristan Watson ’20 was promoted to director of subservicing pricing for Cenlar FSB, the nation’s leading mortgage loan subservicer.

Chris McGinnis ’21 is the new general manager for Second Stage Theater on Broadway, where he is responsible for the general financial oversight of all productions, maintaining relationships with agents and high-profile artists, and negotiating and ensuring compliance with entertainment labor unions.

Trevor Sullivan ’22 was hired as chapter and volunteer services director for Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He oversees the hiring, training and managing of the fraternity services team while also coordinating the fraternity’s strategic plan in five regions. Sullivan earned his bachelor’s in popular music studies from Rider.

Tiffany Beckford ’23 played the character of Alyssa in the Tony-nominated musical The Prom at the Cumberland Theatre in Maryland.

Madeleine Caccavale ’23 is the new event coordinator for Rolling Stone under Penske Media Corporation. She received a bachelor’s in arts and entertainment industries management from Rider.

Kendall D’Angelo ’23 became a school psychologist at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, New Jersey.

Allison Koopman ’23 started her career as a senior laboratory technician at American Spraytech, a formulator and filler of personal care and overthe-counter aerosol and bag-on-valve spray products.

Thomas Trimarco ’23 was hired as a part-time multimedia content producer for New Jersey 101.5.

Kayla Wagner ’23 accepted a full-time position at Syneos Health within its Graduate Trainee Program, joining the Chamberlain Healthcare Public Relations team.

Looking back

MEET FOUR BRONCS WHO HAVE HAD LIFECHANGING EXPERIENCES THANKS TO THE POWER OF GENEROSITY