After a surprise performance of “America the Beautiful” by “American Idol” finalist Anwar Robinson, a Westminster Choir College of Rider University alumnus, the Honorable Anne E. Thompson, Senior U.S.District Judge, urged Rider’s graduating class of more than 1,100 to make their mark on this planet to attain world peace.

“The most important challenge facing the world today is world peace,” said Thompson, who addressed approximately 9,000 visitors in attendance on this sunny yet brisk Commencement morning. “All one has to do is look at the front page of any newspaper every day.  Car bombings in Iraq, rumors of Nuclear bomb testing in North Korea, civil wars in the countries of Africa. The world is a jungle of violence and self-destruction.”

Yet, Thompson, who along Steven B. Kalafer, a prominent Rider alumnus, businessman, movie producer and sports owner, received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree today, offered much hope. “No matter how complicated your life becomes listen to the still small voice within you.  It reminds you of your responsibility to make gentle the life of the world.”    

Kalafer revealed that his life’s experiences as a student, husband, father, businessman, and Academy Award documentary nominee was a course of unpredictable events that he could not have planned more perfectly. He beckoned graduates to take what they are given and make it their own.  “It’s important to plan as you’re doing today and it’s important to plot important life and leadership decisions,” said Kalafer.  “If you’re lucky, those plans will unfold exactly as the way you intended, but if you’re very, very, very lucky, maybe they won’t.”

President Mordechai Rozanski lauded the graduates for their accomplishments. “These achievements are substantial because a Rider education is, ultimately, more than about courses or degrees,” he said.  “It’s about intellectual and personal growth. It’s about lifelong friends. It’s about developing the values and habits of mind that have prepare you to lead meaningful, rewarding and creative lives.”    

In addition to the conferral of degrees, the Rider University Awards for Distinguished Teaching were presented to Dr. Diane Casale-Giannola, assistant professor of teacher education, and Dr. Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Haywood-Sullivan, assistant professor of accounting.