University Day: parties, memories and farewell

By Danielle Gittleman

Fireworks, food trucks and a day full of fun are just a few things that students can expect to enjoy on this year’s University Day.

In honor of Rider’s 150th anniversary, the campus has featured some exciting events this year. On April 17, Rider will have yet another reason to celebrate — the day in 1994 when Rider officially changed from Rider College to Rider University.

This year’s celebration includes events that are bigger and better than they have ever been before. From good food to fireworks, the celebration promises to be one for students to remember.

“This University Day is really special because it is Rider’s 150th anniversary as well as a celebration and farewell to President Mordechai Rozanski,” said Student Government Association (SGA) President and senior public relations major Allie Koury. “This year, it is really different from past years because it is a celebration of the entire university as a whole, and includes much larger activities such as fireworks.”

Some big events include a pub mixer for students and alumni and a reception to honor Rozanski. There will also be an event to bury a time capsule, which is intended to be opened at the bicentennial celebration in 2065.

“The time capsule was looking for smaller items that students and members of the Rider community could bring,” said Koury. “In order to include an item, you had to pre-register it, but people should still go just to witness the event.”

One of the biggest events of University Day is the big celebration at the end of the day. Taking place on Ben Cohen turf field, it will feature live music, games, and food, including desserts, from a number of different food trucks, along with the announcement of Rider’s new alma mater, according to Koury. The night will come to a close with fireworks for students to enjoy.

“I would say, try to attend as many events as possible, as this entire day is living Rider history,” said Koury. “But if I had to choose one event not to miss, I would say it is the celebration at the Ben Cohen turf field. The Office of Campus Life, Alumni Relations, Student Entertainment Council and the 150th committee have worked so hard for this day to take shape that it would be a shame to miss any of it.”

A lot has gone into planning this year’s University Day, and students are urged to come and enjoy any of the events.

“It’s a chance for the university to come together to reflect on a great school year as well as say goodbye and thank you to President Rozanski,” said Nick Barbati, assistant director of campus life. “We’re hoping to see students all day long enjoying the day and most especially coming together at night for the fireworks.”

For a full schedule of the events, check out the SGA University Day official Facebook event page. To RSVP, students should go to www.rider.edu/rsvp. 

Printed in the 4/15/15 edition.