March 29, 2007, 11 a.m. - Serious Incident Re: Two Rider Students
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To the Rider University Community:
An incident occurred early this morning involving the consumption of alcohol on our Lawrenceville campus that resulted in a medical emergency. Two Rider freshmen became very intoxicated at the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity House and were transported to the Capital Health System’s Helene Fuld campus by a local rescue squad. Dean of Students Tony Campbell accompanied the students to the hospital and remained there with them. One of our students remains in the Intensive Care Unit. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family in hopes for his complete recovery. The other student is recovering well in the emergency room and will be released soon.
Alcohol abuse by college students is a national issue and remains an important concern that we as an educational community take very seriously. Rider works proactively to educate its students and to prevent and address underage drinking and alcohol abuse. We offer educational programs to the University through a wide variety of initiatives, including freshman orientation, continuing education for our Greek community, and through residence hall programs throughout the year. While these are important awareness and educational resources, this morning’s incident underscores the need for our continuing vigilance.
We will update the University community as more information becomes available. Rider University is cooperating fully with Lawrence Township authorities in their investigation of the circumstances leading up to this incident. I know you share our deep concern for the well-being of our hospitalized students. On behalf of the University, the Division of Student Affairs will provide counseling support and opportunities for members of both of Rider’s campuses to come together as a community.
Mordechai Rozanski
President
Rider University
For further information, please visit: Updates on the Gary DeVercelly Tragedy.
