Christian Stück and Perry Whiteley

Rider University’s Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses may be approximately seven miles apart but despite the distance, their student governing bodies have developed a close working relationship.

Over the past year, both SGAs have been involved with planning Rider’s Cranberry Fest, University Days and Activities Awareness Days. They have also attended leadership training retreats together. On the academic front, their vocalization of concerns has resulted in several Lawrenceville courses and WCC courses now being offered on both campuses. Another more symbolic move toward integration: the Saturday Shuttle between the Lawrenceville and Westminster’s Princeton-based campuses.

“Our experiences have allowed us to see how the University really works for our interests,” said Lawrenceville’s SGA outgoing President Perry Whiteley, a senior finance/global business major, who will graduate from Rider this May. “We have seen first-hand that the administration wants to do everything in their power to make Rider a truly student-centered University.”

Princeton’s SGA President Christian Stück, a junior music major (voice concentration) with a minor in arts management concurs. “It’s been great working together and learning from each other,” he said. “Building strong dialogue is they key to success.”

It has been a rewarding and challenging year for both SGA leaders on their respective campuses. One of Whiteley’s priorities for the Lawrenceville campus was to resolve parking issues. As a result, the SGA Senate established a Parking Committee, which has resulted in the allocation of 60 additional spaces for residents. Other initiatives have included increasing Rider pride with hosting Rider’s first “Rider Rally,” and strengthening town-gown relationships through participating in Lawrence Township’s Memorial Day parade and Community Day festivities.

Princeton’s SGA which represents Westminster Choir College students, pushed for the renovations of Thayer Lounge and Dining Commons. This year, for the first time, a DVD Library for all students was established in Seabrook Hall. According to Stück, lack of sufficient parking and the push for a recreational facility on the Princeton campus be among the issues addressed in the upcoming Princeton SGA elections on April 18. Stuck is running again for president. Also running for Princeton SGA president for the upcoming 2006-2007 academic year is Shane Chris Olson. Steve Klemchalk, a junior marketing/global business major, is the Lawrenceville campus’s president-elect.

Looking back, Whiteley and Stück are particularly proud of their respective SGA’s vital roles in strengthening bonds with the local community through its respective efforts of raising money for Hurricane Katrina victims. Lawrenceville SGA’s efforts benefited the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund; the Princeton campus donated its fund raiser proceeds to the Salvation Army.

“It has been great to work with other hardworking students,” said Whiteley. Without their dedication, none of these initiatives would have occurred.”

Says Stück: “I am amazed by how much has been accomplished. Despite our challenges, it’s been a very productive year.”

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