Professor Yuan Ji, president and cofounder of Sanda University in Shanghai, China, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree at Rider University’s 142nd Commencement on Friday, May 11.

“Professor Yuan possesses keen insight into the potential of educational development in China and has been a leader in the emergence of private universities in the country,” President Rozanski said. “He has been a key figure in Rider’s growing partnership with Sanda University. We have had more than 70 Sanda students enrolled in our undergraduate and graduate business programs, 21 of whom will be receiving their MBA or MAcc degrees in Shanghai on June 26, 2007.”

As one of the co-founders of Sanda University, Professor Yuan became its executive vice-president and chief-executive officer responsible for its daily operations. He was elected the executive director of the board immediately after the University came into being in 1992, and in early 2004 he was appointed president. He was elected deputy to the People’s Congress of Pudong District, Shanghai, in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003.

Professor Yuan graduated from Shanghai Jiaotong University in 1959, where he majored in metal material and thermal-process. He worked as assistant professor and department secretary for pedagogical affairs at that department from 1958 to 1962. He pursued postgraduate study from 1962 to 1964.

At Shanghai Jiaotong University, Professor Yuan held many leadership positions, which included serving as deputy-chief for the Section of Scientific Research, secretary-general of the University academic committee, director of the Center for Medical Equipment Research and Manufacturing, assistant to the president and member of the University Leading Panel for financial affairs.

Dr. Don Steven, provost and vice president of academic affairs, will preside over the ceremony. The recipients of the 2007 Rider University Awards for Distinguished Teaching will be announced. The distinguished teaching awards have been presented annually since 1961 to a pair of outstanding Rider faculty members.

Nicholas Barbati of Hamilton Square, a bachelor’s degree candidate in political science, will give the student commencement address.

Senior class president Kimberly Jarosiewicz of Jamesburg, a bachelor’s degree candidate in accounting and finance, will present the gift at the ceremony. Seniors were given the option to designate their gifts either to the Class of 2007 Project: The Van Cleve Alumni House Outdoor Patio or to The Rider Fund. Gifts to the Van Cleve Alumni House Outdoor Patio Project will support the construction of a venue for outdoor receptions and gatherings at the Alumni House. Gifts to the Rider Fund will support a wide array of University programs and areas including student financial aid, campus improvements, and technology upgrades.

Music will be performed by the Blawenburg Band, conducted by Jerry Rife, professor of fine arts.

Ed Egan, a bachelor’s degree candidate in communication and acting scholar, will perform the national anthem. Dr. Michael Epstein of Princeton Junction, professor of psychology, will lead the undergraduate processional as Grand Marshal. He will retire this spring

Traffic Advisory for the Lawrenceville Commencement Ceremony

Due to the expected high volume of visitors and vehicle traffic on Friday, May 11, the following traffic guidelines will apply on the Lawrenceville campus:

• Departments conducting normal business should schedule appointments and
deliveries after 2:30 p.m.

• Departments, organizations and staff members having luncheons must have the
food picked up or delivered before 10:30 a.m.

• The main gate will be closed to outgoing traffic from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• The main and south gates will be closed to incoming traffic from 10:30 a.m.
to 2:30 p.m.

• The commencement procession will begin at 9:30 a.m.

• At the start of the commencement ceremony all campus roadways surrounding
Centennial Lake will be one way. Rider University Public Safety Officers will
direct all traffic counter clockwise around the lake to the south gate.

• Traffic exiting the campus from the south gate will be directed onto Route 206
by the Lawrence Township Police. Motorists exiting campus should expect delays.

• Normal campus traffic procedures should be restored at 2:30 p.m.

• Staff members who will need to use their vehicles during the day are asked to park in
Adath Israel Temple lot, located on the northbound side of Route 206 near the south
gate.

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