The Gin Blosssoms (photo courtesy of Merrick Music Group, Inc.)

The Phillie Phanatic and the Gin Blossoms, an alternative pop/rock band, will be part of the excitement of Rider University’s Reunion Weekend, June 23-25.

Geared for alumni of all ages, their families, and members of the Rider community, a whirlwind weekend is in store. Reunion activities kick off Friday with the Rider University Golf Outing at Old York Country Club. On campus, alumni will be officially welcomed by the popular Phillie Phanatic from 5 to 6 p.m. Other Friday events include a lecture by Dr. Dave Rebovich, managing director of the Rider University Institute for New Jersey Politics; an alumni welcome reception hosted by President Mordechai Rozanski, a Trenton Thunder game at Waterfront Park, Comedy Night, and a Young Alumni Reunion gathering at Katmandu.

“We are very excited about offering this weekend for our alumni,” said Natalie Pollard, director of alumni relations. “We want to create an atmosphere that will entice alumni to stroll down memory lane while introducing them to what Rider is about today. For everyone’s convenience, for the first time our visiting alumni and their guests have the option of staying in the residence halls and enjoying Rider’s state-of-the-art facilities during the summer break since most students are away.

“We want to get alumni in the habit of visiting campus every June for Reunion Weekend and building upon tradition year after year. This can only be done by reaching out to all alumni and developing effective and strong alumni networks.”

Saturday’s schedule will feature more non-stop activities, including an alumni breakfast, 5K Walk and Run, campus tours, soccer, tennis, baseball tournaments, an Athletics Hall of Fame Wall Ceremony, 25th, 40th and 50th reunion dinners, an Alumni of Color Reunion and an all-alumni celebration on the Campus Green. At the all-alumni celebration, food and activities will be plentiful. Those in attendance will listen to the fun-filled music of Radio Disney.”

During the evening, the Gin Blossoms will also be featured in concert at Alumni Gym at 8:30 p.m.. Formed in 1987 in Tempe, AZ, the band’s music is reminiscent of The Byrds and Tom Petty with several hits in the mid-‘90s which include “Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down,” and “Allison Road.” The band broke up in 1997 but reunited in 2002. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The concert is sponsored in conjunction with Lawrence Township. Tickets are $10 for alumni and $20 for the general public.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Rider and the community to come together,” said Steve Groeger, superintendent of recreation for Lawrence Township. “It is just a continuation of our great relationship.”

Reunion 2006 will conclude Sunday with an All-Alumni Jazz Brunch on the Mall from 9 a.m. to noon. Music will be provided by the John Velez Trio.

For the complete schedule, visit www.rider.edu (click on alumni and friends) or call alumni relations at (609) 896-5340.