MLK Days of Service a Success

On Friday, February 23rd, and Saturday, February 24th, approximately 75 Rider University students participated in Rider’s annual “MLK Days of Service” held in recognition of Black History month to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Students participated in service work throughout the local community. Pictured are members of Rider Community Scholars/Bonner Leaders who helped prepare a celebration for the clients served at HomeFront’s Family Preservation Center in West Trenton. Pictured from left to right: Stella Hickman, a senior human resource management major; Nicole Lermond, a junior management major; and Ashley Palermo, a French major.

Rider Students Take Service Learning Trip to Jamaica

Seven Rider University students spent their winter break in Jamaica, West Indies, tutoring children and gaining insight from them. A Rider tradition since 1990, the University’s Jamaica program engages students in learning experiences different from that to which they are accustomed. Using the skills and knowledge base they have acquired in their academic majors, they are oriented to a new culture, way of life, and new perspectives while working with students in an orphanage, two public schools and a church-related school. The curriculum, designed by program co-coordinators, the Rev. Nancy Schluter, Protestant Chaplain, and Don Brown, director of the Center for Multicultural Affairs and Community Service, places special emphasis on service learning. Keeping a personal journal, they must document and evaluate their experiences in a final project, usually a paper. On the journey this year were: Jessica Geiger ‘09, a journalism major; Joshabel De La Cruz ‘09, a global multinational studies major; Shantelle Williams, daughter of the late Lewin Williams, noted author and president emeritus of the United Theological College of the West Indies in Kingston; (back) Sharmaine Stevenson ‘08, a finance/global business major; (front) Jenna Piccolomini ‘09, a psychology major; Katherine Santana ‘07, a psychology major; Jennifer Chevalier ‘08, an elementary education/psychology major; and Nilsa Britto ‘07, a communication major.

Dance Team Wins Regional Competition

The Rider University Dance Team took first place in the Dance Wit Me Network Southern New Jersey regional Dance Competition on Friday, February 16th. The Rider Dance team defeated Rutgers-Camden, Stockton College and host school Rowan University. This is the team's second victory in a row. The dance team will now compete against the top two teams from the Pennsylvania regional competition in a future event. The winning routine will be performed at the team's end of the year performance in the Yvonne Theater on Sunday, April 29th.