Friday, Jan 16, 2015
Carter-Romero was a member of the Rider family for more than 15 years, most recently as the Director of Creative Services
It is with profound sadness that Rider University announces the passing of our dear friend and colleague Cathy Carter-Romero, 49, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Cathy was a member of the Rider family for more than 15 years, most recently as the Director of Creative Services in the Office of University Communications and Marketing. Cathy managed the university’s brand through graphic design, photography and a variety of important publications, among them the academic catalog, commencement program and university holiday cards.
She had a creative eye and strong attention to detail and worked hard to ensure that the university was represented accurately on everything from murals and posters to invitations and T-shirts. In fact, she was often good-naturedly referred to as the “logo police” as she enforced the university’s graphic identity standards. Cathy accepted that title in stride, always with a smile and usually a humorous response back.
Cathy’s love and passion for Rider ran deep. She regularly attended athletic and student events with her husband, son and daughter and often adopted teams, whether field hockey or men’s basketball, having them over for dinner, cheering them on and celebrating their individual and team accomplishments. Cathy mentored many student-athletes throughout the years, developing life-long friendships and bonds. Whether it was athletic or student events, commencement, or one of the many other activities that took place on campus, Cathy was a devoted supporter of all things Rider.
“Cathy bled cranberry in all she did here at Rider,” said John Lenox, Assistant Vice President for University Communications and Marketing. “She had a profound impact on the lives of her friends, colleagues and students. We will miss her dearly for her dedication to Rider, her warm and engaging humor, and the courage she exhibited throughout her battle. She was an inspiration to us all.”
Rider’s field hockey team in particular was very near and dear to Cathy. She was the team’s beloved mentor and mom who developed close relationships with the players and often traveled far distances to cheer them on at championship competitions. In appreciation of all her support, the team dedicates a game every year to Cathy during breast cancer awareness month.
Born and raised in Canada, Cathy moved to the United States as a young woman, though her passion for her home country always remained strong. Fondly recounting memories of her youth as a ski instructor or her enthusiasm for Canadian hockey, she never let anyone forget her roots.
Cathy earned a degree in journalism from Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology in Canada. After graduating, she worked for a local Canadian newspaper, where she developed the skills and passion for media that would serve her so well at Rider.
Cathy and her husband, Carl, were married in Canada where their children, Samantha and Rob, were born. They moved to New Jersey in 1997 and Cathy began working at Rider a year later.
In addition to her husband, son and daughter, Cathy is survived by her parents, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at the M. William Murphy Funeral Home, 1863 Hamilton Ave., Hamilton, on Sunday, Jan. 18. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 4, with service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Cathy Carter Romero Memorial Scholarship fund. Checks should be made payable to Rider University with the scholarship name in the memo line and mailed to:
Rider University
c/o Stephanie Silvestri, Assistant Director for Scholarships
2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Contributions to this memorial scholarship can also be made online at the Rider University website by choosing the GIVE link at the top of the homepage. Choose “other” for the designation and type in “The Cathy Carter Romero Memorial Scholarship.”