Friday, Apr 24, 2015
The foundation joins Rider University’s Women’s Leadership Council in the effort
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation, a Princeton-based foundation that supports students pursuing degrees in higher education, and the Rider University Women’s Leadership Council, a committed group of alumnae and friends who utilize their passion, success and influence to become leaders, role models and mentors, have announced the establishment of a $50,000 endowed scholarship fund named in honor of retiring Rider president Dr. Mordechai Rozanski.
The scholarship was announced on Thursday, March 26, at Rider’s annual reception honoring the university’s Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholars. The announcement was a surprise for President Rozanski, who will retire on July 31.
At the presentation, Lisa VanPatten, President of Rider’s Women’s Leadership Council, said, “Earlier this year we were presented with the chance to raise scholarship support for our Rider students when the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation offered us a matching gift opportunity. The Council was challenged to raise $25,000 over two years to be matched by the Newcombe Foundation. Thanks to the philanthropic dedication of our members, to date we have surpassed our first-year goal, raising $13,400, and the Newcombe Foundation has paid $12,500.”
Donna Ackerly, Vice President of the Women’s Leadership Council, said, “We are so proud to create this scholarship in Dr. Rozanski’s name. He has been instrumental in helping to establish the Rider Women’s Leadership Council, and supportive as we have grown our organization into the dynamic and amazing group of alumnae and friends who serve on the Council today.”
She added, “Dr. Rozanski’s leadership has made a profound impact on all of us and has set the stage for our future success. We are delighted that this scholarship will honor his legacy.”
Thomas N. Wilfrid, executive director of The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation, echoed Ackerly’s sentiments. “The Newcombe Foundation is pleased to have awarded more than $1.3 million to Rider since 1981,” he said. “As a result of this support, more than 1,400 scholarships have been awarded to Rider students since the program’s inception. We are thrilled to continue supporting mature women students with financial need by partnering with the Rider Women’s Leadership Council to create this special endowed scholarship fund.”
Wilfrid said the partnership between the Rider Women’s Leadership Council and his organization will continue through 2015-16. “Once the Women’s Leadership Council has raised a total of $25,000, the Foundation will pay the second half of its $25,000 commitment. By this time next year we anticipate announcing that the fund that bears Dr. Rozanski’s name has reached the $50,000 level,” Wilfrid said.
Women are eligible for the Newcombe undergraduate scholarships if they are over age 25, have completed 60 credits with an academic average of at least 2.50, and have demonstrated financial need. More than half of Rider’s Newcombe Scholarship recipients attended community college before coming to the University.
VanPatten added, "Advancing women is central to the mission of the Rider Women's Leadership Council. I can't think of a more worthy cause that embodies our mission more than the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Scholarship. Higher education for these recipients will not only open doors for greater opportunities but will also empower these women to pursue their dreams."
President Rozanski has made scholarships Rider’s greatest fundraising priority, as they make an education affordable and attainable for so many hard working students. Since his arrival at Rider, the amount of annual scholarships awarded to Rider students has grown from $27 million in 2003 to over $61 million in 2015.
This year, Rider celebrates its 150th anniversary. President Rozanski said, “Today, the quality of a Rider education, the dedication of our community, the talent of our students, and the successes of our alumni are all a testament to the rich history we share. Our programs are distinctive and of the highest caliber. We look back on our last 150 years with pride, and we look to our future with great confidence.”
To learn more about Rider’s 150th anniversary and scholarship fundraising activities, visit www.rider.edu/150.