May 25, 2007 -- Reunion Weekend: A Time for Nostalgia, Friendship, Fun

LAWRENCEVILLE -- More than a year in the making, this year’s Reunion Weekend (June 15-17) promises to deliver events and activities for alumni, friends and families of all ages and interests. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with old friends, relive the nostalgia of your college days, and see the exciting changes taking place on campus. Reunion Weekend is a time to celebrate Rider’s future and reflect on the past.

“We want alumni to get in the habit of coming back to campus every June and enjoying a fun-filled weekend. We want this tradition to continue to grow,” said Natalie Pollard ’93 ’98, director of alumni relations. “Whether alumni are celebrating a special reunion or coming back to campus to recapture moments from their college experience, there will be something for everyone during this weekend.”

There will be special reunions for specific affinity groups, such as fraternities and sororities, alumni of color, athletes and residence hall advisors. In addition, alumni celebrating a milestone class reunion (those ending with a 2 or 7) will be honored at various events throughout the weekend.

“Over the past year, many alumni groups have volunteered to help with reunions and have been successful in creating wonderful networks for reaching out to each other,” Pollard added. “This will ultimately lead to stronger attendance at the various events throughout the weekend.”

Some of the highlights of the Friday, June 15, schedule include: an alumni golf outing at Mountain View Golf Course (8 a.m. shotgun start); the Olde Guarde Luncheon (highlighting the 50-year class of 1957); an alumni barbecue; the Delta Sigma Pi Reunion (honoring Harry T. Gamble ’52 as recipient of the 2007 National Delta Sigma Pi Career Achievement Award); a Taste of Italy dinner; Comedy Night featuring Todd Glass (Last Comic Standing 2 and 3) and Carie Karavas (opening act for Andrew Dice Clay and Soupy Sales); and a young alumni event in the Pub.

Featured on Saturday, June 16, are: a 5K Walk/Run to benefit women’s athletics; a master yoga class; a session with ARAMARK chefs on preparing summer grilling dishes or learning how to bake; “Back to Class” sessions to sharpen skills; a wine tasting; several special reunions; a family softball game (children vs. adults); an all alumni event with special guests from Radio Disney ; an all-alumni reunion dinner; and an alumni of color reunion dinner honoring Judge Lawson McElroy.

“We have really tried to create programming that offers something for everyone,” said Pollard. A full listing of Reunion Weekend events is available online at www.rider.edu.

In addition, there will be a Bronc Camp for children ages 4 to 12 in the Student Recreation Center so that parents may attend events on their own. Children will be grouped according to age. The program will offer creative, age-appropriate activities and entertainment. There will also be a teen experience for high school-aged children. This session will offer students the opportunity to learn more about Rider and Westminster Choir College.

Alumni can stay on Rider’s campus during the weekend. The rate for air conditioned rooms is $35 per person per night (Friday and Saturday). Deluxe suites include four beds, kitchen, living room and bathroom. Standard suites include four beds, living room and bathroom. The small suites contain two beds, a small sitting room and a bathroom. Standard rooms include two beds and a bathroom (shared by the adjoining room). “Alumni found the opportunity to stay on campus in air-conditioned residence hall suites and apartments very convenient last year. These accommodations are on a first-come, first serve basis, and many alumni have already made reservations,” said Pollard.

There is also a special rate at ETS’ Chauncey Conference Center in Princeton. The cost is $139 for a double occupancy which includes a complimentary breakfast buffet.

Go to www.rider.edu for more information or to register for Reunion Weekend. Look for the link to the “Who’s Coming” page to see who is already registered. For more information, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 609-896-5340 or e-mail alumni@rider.edu.