“Celebration!” is the theme of Rider University’s 12th birthday gala Tuesday, April 11.

Traditionally, University Day is celebrated on or near April 13 each year to recognize the day in 1994 when Rider officially achieved university status. The university’s Emerging Leaders will set the tone. Starting at 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at various campus sites, they will greet everyone with University Day gold stars.

The Association of Commuter Students will have a free coffee hour, with donuts, on the P.J. Ciambella Hall (Admissions Building) rear walkway. The coffee hours will run from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Festivities will step into high gear with a University Day Luncheon for the entire Rider community from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Daly’s Dining Hall. All are invited to dine on grilled Mahi Mahi and sirloin, side dishes and assorted desserts. Interactive entertainment will also be provided.

At noon during the luncheon, the Nancy Gray Award will be presented to an outstanding staff or faculty member who personifies the principles of campus leadership, campus involvement, school spirit and community service. Gray served as vice president for development and university relations from 1991 to 1998. Other highlights of the day will include a campus-wide Home Run Derby (5 p.m. on Daly’s Intramural Field), a Design Your Own Aquarium workshop (5 to 7 p.m. in Daly’s Dining Hall) and a Princeton campus University Day BBQ (4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on The Great Plains).

“The day will truly be a celebration of the Rider family,” said Dave Keenan, director of campus activities. “No one will want to miss the excitement.”