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Historic moments and record-breaking achievements were just some of the highlights of 2023 for С����Ƶ. 

Here's what made the news this year. 

Go Broncs!

It was a banner year for the Broncs with seven Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championships. For the first time in Rider history, the men's and women's track and field teams swept the MAAC indoor and outdoor championships. The men's swimming and diving team continued its dynasty for the 11th consecutive year, while baseball earned its fourth title and men's soccer earned its sixth championship.

Two new faces joined the coaching staff this year. Chad Duernberger was hired as the new men's soccer head coach, while Alicia Govannicci '14 was hired as the new field hockey head coach. 

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Giant step

Rider became “An Official Higher Education Partner of the New York Giants.” Through this new partnership, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across Giants business functions through part-time, full-time and game-day internships. Senior Joseph Ayoub and junior Catie VanBogelen served as the first two interns. 

Additionally, they will also have the opportunity to conduct a research project related to the sports industry and participate in community initiatives with Giants players. 

Major gifts

The University's Transforming Students — Transforming Lives campaign pushed past its initial $80 million goal and received a record-setting number of cash contributions in a single year for its endowment. The University also received an anonymous $1.5 million gift for the Annual Fund, the largest single gift ever for the fund. 

So far more than 16,000 donors have contributed to the campaign, with the University receiving 18 gifts of $1 million or more. Rider continues to raise additional support for key initiatives.

Education and study abroad also benefitted from the generosity of donors this year. The College of Education and Human Services received the largest gift in its history through a trust established by James H. McGordy ’39 and Elsie Varga ’39. Trustee James (Jim) P. Bush ’80 and his wife, Nancy, made a $650,000 gift to raise support for the James P. Bush International Immersion Endowment to $1 million. The fund expands access to global learning opportunities for students with significant financial need. 

Academic achievements

The University unveiled two new programs — a Bachelor of Social Work and an elementary education - STEM studies major. Rider also announced that education majors will have the opportunity to complete their student teaching while studying abroad. 

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Excelling outside the classroom

Being the best came natural for a number of Rider students this year. Rider's student-run radio station, 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM, was named the best in the country at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Awards. The Model United Nations team earned the top award at the national conference for the 14th time, while a team of undergraduate students placed first in the national Small Business Institute Project of the Year Competition, earning the University's sixth national title.

Four students had the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the Nobel Peace Prize awards ceremony in Oslo, Norway, after submitting a nomination via a new class.

Students in the Westminster Choir performed in the New York Chorus Festival at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.

Leadership

Joan Mazzotti ’72 became chair of the С����Ƶ Board of Trustees. She is the first woman not only to lead the Board of Trustees, but to do so twice. Additionally, four new members were elected to the Board: Chris Carothers ’91, ’94, Neil Gerard ’89, Meghan Holohan ’99, ’01 and Christopher Nikolich '92. 

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Roomies

Through a new partnership, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) students began 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.

Awards and accolades

Recognitions from top organizations continued to be awarded to the University this year. Rider was honored as a best college by The Princeton Review and named to the “Best Northeast” and “Green Colleges” lists as well as ranked No. 7 for “Best College Radio Station.”

U.S. News & World Report recognized Rider as one of the Best Regional Universities (North) and ranked the University No. 8 in Best Value Schools, a 16-spot jump from last year. For its online programs, U.S. News honored Rider's online MBA and online graduate business programs.

Also, named a 2023-24 College of Distinction, Rider was honored as a top college in New Jersey and recognized for its business and education programs, commitment to career development, military support, and equity and inclusion.

The University was also named one of the most transfer friendly colleges in the nation for the seventh consecutive year.