Tyree Barnes (center) with Syeebra Palmer (left), Maurice Palmer’s widow; Brianna Palmer, Palmer's daughter; and Rider administrators

Freshman actuarial science major Tyree Barnes of Newark, N.J., has been named a recipient of the Maurice E. Palmer Memorial Scholarship at Rider University.

Each year the $5,000 four-year scholarship is awarded to a deserving incoming freshman enrolled in Rider’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).

“Tyree is a model student and an outstanding person,” said Rubin Joyner, director of Rider’s EOP. “He represents the spirit and intent of Rider’s EOP and the legacy that Maurice Palmer created. Maurice was about student recruitment, retention and graduation. His goal was always to help students stand out as career success stories.”

Recipients must demonstrate leadership skills, have a commitment to working with others and the ability to contribute to Rider to make it a better place. Those selected must also have obtained a minimum 2.5 grade point average in high school.

Palmer was an associate director of admission at Rider. He was responsible for recruiting minority students and students for Rider’s EOP. Rider was an integral part of his life. He passed away in 2005 at age 39.

“Receiving the scholarship has been a blessing from God, as well as a great opportunity,” said Barnes, who aspires to work in the insurance and music fields. “I am humbled that my name is associated with a man of his stature. I intend to educate new students on who Maurice E. Palmer was to inspire many to be like him. Rider University has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The students and staff alike seem to have appointed success as their motto.”

A graduate of Newark’s Arts High School, Barnes excelled on all fronts. He served as president of the Brotherhood Society, a national male mentoring program; vice president of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society; section leader of the Omega Jazz Band; section leader of the percussion ensemble; and captain of the boys basketball team.

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