Two graduating seniors from Rider University’s Lawrenceville campus and a graduating senior from Westminster Choir College of Rider University have been named recipients of the University’s President’s Award for 2006.

The award is presented each year to three graduating seniors, one male and one female at Lawrenceville and one senior at Westminster, for demonstrating an exemplary record of academic performance, extracurricular achievement, and service to the University. Each senior received an inscribed gift and their photo and caption about them will be featured for the coming year on the Wall of Celebration in the Bart Luedeke Center, in addition their names will be placed on a plaque that will be permanently displayed on their respective campuses.

Heather Horowitz, a bachelor’s degree candidate in political science, and Perry Whiteley, a bachelor’s degree candidate in finance and global business, were recognized at the Rider University Awards Day ceremony April 30. Matthew Knickman, a bachelor’s degree candidate in voice performance, was lauded for his achievements April 27 during Westminster’s Spring Convocation.

Heather Horowitz has served actively and with distinction in Rider’s Student Government Association as vice president of the Student Entertainment Council, vice president of the Residence Hall Association and a senator. In each of these elected offices, she has used her leadership skills to help other students and to participate in Rider’s renewal.

During her tenure at Rider, Horowitz has organized events in support of her fellow students. Her various activities have included coordinating pep rallies for athletes and finding innovative ways to engage new students in campus life. One example is the coffee house she created in her residence hall to help Rider’s Chinese students from Sanda University adjust to campus life and feel welcome in their new community.

Enthusiastic about her Rider experience, Horowitz has volunteered as an Admissions’ Ambassador, as a tour guide and was one of seven students chosen for the 2005 Orientation Staff for incoming freshmen. She has also served as a freshman seminar peer mentor, a peer tutor for political science majors, and a member of the University’s Tripartite Committee on Student Life.

On the academic front, Horowitz has excelled. Named to the dean’s list every semester, she has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Dean’s Scholarship, the Department of History’s Carskaddan Prize, and the Law & Justice Merit Certificate. Horowitz is a member of the honor societies, Phi Alpha Theta (history), Pi Sigma Alpha (political science), and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership). Last month, she was inducted into the Honor Key Society. She is contemplating a career in law or in higher education with an emphasis on student affairs.

Perry Whiteley has made his mark at Rider as an outstanding student leader. As president of the Student Government Association, he is well known for successfully advancing the interests of Rider University and students both on and off campus.

As an underclassman, he was active in the Association of Commuting Students and was elected a commuter senator. For his leadership, he was awarded the Materia Memorial Award “for the commuting student who has been highly involved and given selflessly to the University community” and the Kathleen D. Iacovelli Student Government Award.

Whiteley has also demonstrated his extraordinary commitment to community service. As the founder and coordinator of the Association of Commuting Students’ Craft Show, the money raised has benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To date, the craft show has raised more than $6,500 during it first two years on campus. As a result, Whiteley briefs other students on how to build on its success.

Since his freshman year, Whiteley has accomplished much for the University community while working part-time off campus. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue an MBA with the goal of becoming a financier. He also aspires to run for public office.

Throughout his days at Westminster, Matthew Knickman has garnered an impressive academic record which includes being named to the dean’s list every semester and selection as an Andrew J. Rider Scholar. Excelling vocally, he has won awards at the New Jersey National Association of Teachers of Singing competition for two years and last year was the recipient of a Westminster Voice Scholarship.

While at Westminster, Knickman has gained much professional experience from his participation in the Westminster Choir, Westminster Kantorei and Westminster Symphonic Choir.

He delighted audiences last month appearing as Figaro in Westminster Opera Theater’s production of “The Marriage of Figaro.” He has been equally devoted to making a difference on campus serving as a student librarian, a tutor and this year as a resident assistant in Dayton Hall. Knickman has also reached out to the local community, serving as a volunteer at the Mercer County Geriatric Center and Habitat for Humanity in Trenton.

Upon graduation, Knickman plans to attend graduate school to continue his studies in voice performance. He aspires to be a member of the renowned ensemble, Chanticleer.