Monday, Nov 7, 2016
The annual tradition highlights a diverse range of Rider’s programs
by Robert Leitner ’17
Rider University students and their families partook in an array of more than 20 activities from Nov. 4 through 6 as a part of Family Weekend. The event encourages family participation in favorite annual traditions on Rider’s Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses, such as the Rider and Westminster Legacy Family Breakfast, which celebrates students’ dual connection to the University through the lineage of Rider alumni parents or grandparents.
The musical talents of Westminster Choir College students were on display all weekend, with the Westminster Chapel Choir, conducted by Amanda Quist, performing The Family Weekend Concert on Saturday. The program included movements from W.A. Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor, Kim André Arnesen’s Even When He Is Silent by and Moses Hogan’s arrangement of Wade in the Water, as well as solo works performed by choir members.
The men's basketball team beat Bloomsburg in an exhibition game Saturday afternoon, with senior Jimmie Taylor scoring 18 points. The women's team earned a victory over The College of New Jersey on Sunday in an exhibition game in Alumni Gymnasium, with sophomore Lexi Posset netting 17 points.
The arts were shown through the School of Fine & Performing Arts Showcase featuring performances from the Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, Music Theater Practicum and highlights from the Dance Department. There were even scenes performed from Rider theatre productions of the upcoming White Christmas and She Kills Monsters.
Families were able to get a sense of Rider’s commitment to serving the local community by participating in the creation of Thanksgiving baskets that included Thanksgiving-based nonperishable food items. Other events included games Bronc Bingo, Family Feud and athletics such as ice hockey and volleyball games.
The Office of Campus Activities organized a live performance from The Voice finalist Dez Duron and the awe-inspiring performance of the Comic Juggler Ivan Pecel, a contestant from America’s Got Talent.