2004-05 Archived Profiles
Debby Lau | "When applying to colleges and universities, I wanted to attend an institution that would allow me to perfect my craft and major- theatre. The Rider theatre program has given me the opportunity to work with professionals in the field and receive hands-on experience. The knowledge I have obtained from the people I have worked with has made me the person I am today. I am now proficient in stage management, light design, and directing. I have gained leadership skills, including serving as the president of Alpha Psi Omega, the national honorary theatre society. Being a part of Rider had been better than I could have ever imagined. With the knowledge and experience I have gained at Rider, I am continuing to pursue a MA in theater after graduation." |
Tyler Brewington | "I like Rider because of the small class sizes. That is important to me. There were 41 students in my high school graduating class. At Rider, professors get to know you, and you can develop many friendships with students. I also enjoy being a member of Rider’s varsity golf team." |
Christian Stück | "I chose Rider University because of its unique and outstanding Westminster Choir College. Westminster is not just a professional music school or conservatory; it is a small, liberal arts college within a broad and diverse university. Choosing Rider University’s Westminster Choir College afforded me all of the musical expertise and individual and personal attention I desired from a small, residential college of music and the opportunities and resources of a large teaching university. Westminster’s location on Rider University’s Princeton campus helped solidify my decision; the campus is conveniently located between New York City and Philadelphia and is in the heart of academia, intellectualism, and culture in the northeast." |
Grace Colletti | "Rider is not just a university to me. It is where I work, study, have my friends... where I live. I have found mentors in my professors and opportunities in the science department that I did not think were possible for an undergraduate! There are so many things available at Rider, and it's not like a big school where you just get lost. Rider has provided me with the opportunity to pursue research in my field and study abroad. Studying abroad was the best experience of my life! This school and the people in it have helped me do so much with my time here!" |
Elisa Vilbergsdottir & Disella Larusdottir | "Elisa Vilbergsdottir and Disella Larusdottir, Westminster's first students from Iceland, revel in our longer winter days and what they consider to be balmy temperatures. They're also immensely enjoying Westminster's voice performance and pedagogy graduate program. While they didn't know each other in Iceland, they came to Westminster at the same time after attending a master class and workshop with Professor of Voice Laura Brooks Rice in Iceland in the summer of 2002." |
Lauren Brenna | "Whether I'm in the classroom, in a meeting, walking around campus or at work in the dean's office, I've never felt so connected to other people. At Rider, you're not just another face in the crowd, here you've got a name, people really care and take the time to get to know you. This fact alone adds so much to a Rider education."
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Rahmael Magny | "As a leader on campus, I've learned that true leadership is derived from service to others. But to know of these services, one must first listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak."
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Julia Fairley | "Being a student at Westminster has been the best experience of my life. It is one of the only places that someone so young can perform with the best orchestras and conductors. Westminster has showed me how to be the best performer and singer that I can be and I don't think that I would have gotten this experience anywhere else. I'm am so lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Westminster community."
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John Budgick | "The Baccalaureate Honors Program has been a phenomenal experience. Its interdisciplinary nature is what makes this course of study appealing to a broad range of scholars willing to delve into just about every subject imaginable. The opportunities made available to me through this program have changed me as a student and as a person."
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Kat Zimoulis | “English is my major, and theater and dance are my passions. At Rider, I’ve had the chance to gain all kinds of experience combining the best of all three, working on main stage theatre productions as well as student-run programs. I’ve done it all—acting, stage crew, props. I’ve also directed, designed lighting, produced and helped write scripts for two shows. These experiences have also taught me how to interact with other students, plan schedules, resolve conflicts and keep a team focused and happy.”
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Michelle Howat Cusson | “I just love the conservatory atmosphere of Westminster Choir College's Princeton campus. You're enveloped in music here; it's everywhere around you. To be in these surroundings, to be around people every day - no, every hour - who are so passionate about their music, that's what inspires you as an artist. I've really grown as a singer and as a musician here.”
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Jessica Franko | "Rider University provides the motivation that students need to excel in their chosen field. I received a BA in journalism, and through the guidance and support of the department, was able to attain three internships related to my major, where I could get excellent hands-on experience before I graduated in 2003. It is wonderful to know that Rider has become my home away from home. The faculty and staff are always willing to go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable. Professors are excellent at challenging you to work hard and to help you achieve your goals. Currently, I am working on my MBA here, and am a graduate assistant for the Public Relations Office. I am able to apply what I learned in my undergraduate courses to my daily work as a graduate assistant. Rider has made me feel totally prepared for what lies ahead."
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LaToya Pettiway | "I like the personal attention I receive here at Rider. The campus has a very warm and friendly feeling. I couldn’t really imagine spending 4 years anywhere else.”
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