Friday, Jun 17, 2011
Many notable guests from both sides of the political aisle turned out to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at its June 10 Gala at Greenacres Country Club.
by Sean Ramsden
Rider University celebrated the first decade of its Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics on Friday, June 10, at its elegant 10th Anniversary Gala at Greenacres Country Club in Lawrenceville. Nearly 150 members of the political and Rider communities turned out to commemorate the Institute’s commitment to raising the level of political discourse in New Jersey, as well as pay tribute to the evening’s four honorees.
Former Gov. James J. Florio was presented the Rebovich Institute Citizenship Award; Roma Bank, represented by former state Sen. Peter Inverso ’60, accepted the Rebovich Institute Corporate Good Neighbor Award; Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle was recognized with the Rebovich Institute Legislative Award; and Gov. Chris Christie received the Rebovich Institute Leadership Award.
The Rebovich Institute was founded in 2001 as the Rider University for New Jersey Politics by the late David Rebovich, a faculty member in the Department of Political Science from 1979 until his untimely death in 2007. One of the best known and most respected political commentators in the nation, Rebovich was a fixture in the print and broadcast media between New York and Philadelphia due to his preparation and accessibility, as well as the impartiality ever present in his incisive analysis.
“This event is a tribute to the late Dr. David Rebovich, on whose shoulders we continue to build our success,” said Ben Dworkin, director of the Rebovich Institute. “We will continue to provide outstanding programming to our campus and surrounding communities, and, in particular, we will continue to expand our efforts to support Rider students who take unpaid but valuable internships in government and politics.”
To that end, Matthew Barron ’12 was named this year’s recipient of a $500 allowance, which will allow him to intern in the Albany, N.Y., office of Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer. Jennie Mugrace ’12 spoke on behalf of students in the Institute.
Florio, the evening’s first honoree commended the Rebovich Institute for inculcating students with the practical knowledge and spirit of democracy.
“We live in a representational democracy that doesn’t work if citizens don’t participate,” said Florio, who served as governor from 1990 through 1994. “By being engaged and being informed about the things we want officials to pursue, we claim our power in the process.”
He also lent encouragement to followers of state and national politics who have grown weary of partisan gridlock and stagnant policy.
“Often, people will say to me, ‘I don’t know what’s going on, but nothing seems to get done,’ and there is a truth to that,” Florio explained. “A lot of our policies are from the past, and it seems like ‘traditional wisdom’ is more about tradition and less about wisdom. We need our elected officials to have a commitment to intellectual courage – the ability to stand up to the status quo. I’m hopeful that in the future, elections won’t be framed as liberal versus conservative, but as thoughtful versus shallow.”
Inverso accepted the Corporate Neighbor Award for Roma Bank, Mercer County’s oldest and largest banking institution, for which he serves as president and chief executive officer. A member of the New Jersey State Senate from 1991 until 2008, Inverso lamented the idea that today’s elected officials are not held in the same esteem as in the past, saying his experience in Trenton gives him confidence in the present and hope for the future.
“Life in government is a good one, and I treasure the years I spent in it,” said Inverso, a 1960 graduate of Rider and current trustee. “There are so many people in the Legislature who are good and dedicated to helping the greater good. So, to the young people here tonight, please stay committed to your causes.”
Huttle, who attended Rider as an undergraduate, said the role of the Rebovich Institute is vital to the political arena in the Garden State, as much for the future as for the present.
“The Rebovich Institute is exactly what New Jersey needs more of, a true home to public policy and public service,” said Vainieri Huttle, who was elected to the Assembly, representing District 37, in 2005, and has also served on the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “New Jersey needs more young people to get involved, not in politics, but in public service. They can do that through politics, but politics is public service.”
Bob Martin, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection, accepted the Leadership Award on behalf of Christie, who was unable to attend. He conveyed the governor’s regard and appreciation for being honored by the Rebovich Institute, and hailed Rider’s role in engaging students in state politics.
“The new ‘normal’ is about transparency in state government,” said Martin, adding that the work of the Rebovich Institute helps bring oft-debated issues to light.
The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to public service and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey. To become a friend and supporter of the Rebovich Institute and its students, click here: https://alumni.rider.edu/SSLPage.aspx?pid=541.