Rider University Reaches Settlement in the DeVercelly Case

Rider University, its insurance carrier, and the family of Gary L. DeVercelly, Jr. reached a confidential settlement to resolve all claims the DeVercelly family brought against Rider University and its current and former employees, Ada Badgley, Cassie Iacovelli and Adriano DiDonato, in the lawsuit pending in the Superior Court of New Jersey and entitled DeVercelly, et al. v. Rider University, et al. 

In the lawsuit, the DeVercelly family sued Rider University, certain Rider University employees, and the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity for the March 30, 2007 death of their son following his participation in a fraternity event.  Rider University, Ms. Badgley, Ms. Iacovelli and Mr. DiDonato responded to the lawsuit by specifically denying all of the allegations asserted against them.

The confidential settlement partially compensates the DeVercelly family for their loss and requires the University to confirm it has implemented certain policies and programs, many of which were already in place, to manage Greek organizations and help ensure compliance with Rider’s Student Code of Conduct.  The agreement reinforces the commitment the University made to the DeVercelly family and its own community to reduce the risks of a similar incident reoccurring at Rider.  

The confidential settlement does not contain any admission of liability by the University, Ms. Badgley, Ms. Iacovelli or Mr. DiDonato.  The settlement also does not resolve the pending claims that the DeVercelly family is pursuing against the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.

The University is pleased to amicably resolve this matter with the DeVercelly family.  Reaching an agreement with the DeVercellys allows all of the parties to avoid a prolonged and costly court battle.  The University also appreciates the professionalism and dedication that Ms. Badgley, Ms. Iacovelli, and Mr. DiDonato have shown as well as their assistance in achieving a resolution of this matter.

Gary DeVercelly, Jr. will always be remembered.  He was a valued member of the Rider community, and the University continues to feel a deep sense of loss since his passing.  Although nothing can mitigate the terrible impact of this tragedy on the DeVercelly family, the University will honor Gary’s memory by its commitment to continue its efforts to sustain a healthy and productive learning environment for all Rider students.