Tuesday, Dec 21, 2021
The year that brought the Broncs, events and traditions back to campus
by Rachel Stengel '14, '20
The year started out snowy. Lawrenceville, N.J., saw more than a foot of snow during the first three months of the year. With a hybrid academic model for the spring 2021 semester, a number of Broncs moved back to campus. Abiding by Rider's Resolved and Ready plan, students helped keep campus safe and healthy, while embracing its living and learning community.
Rider Athletics made some marks in the history books this year. Volleyball won its first-ever Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship after defeating second-seeded Canisius, 3-1, on April 3. Baseball also claimed the MAAC Championship this year — its third in program history. The Broncs defeated top-seeded Fairfield, 7-2, on May 28.
After a year-long wait, the Class of 2020 finally had its moment to celebrate. Rider hosted a number of small outdoor ceremonies from May 14-16 for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 on campus.
Returning to campus was the highlight for many of Broncs, especially incoming and future Broncs. On-campus orientation sessions and open houses were held this summer for the newest members of the Rider community.
New student move-in day brought back the traditional energy to the start of the semester.
Events returned in a big way this year, from Welcome Week celebrations like Cranchella and Broncapalooza, to campus traditions like Rider Rock Fest, Cranberry Fest, MAACness, Scream Screen and Homecoming.
This fall, Rider welcomed Saxbys to campus. Each semester Saxbys employs a student cafe executive officer to manage all aspects of the cafe and earn academic credit and a wage. On opening day, inaugural student CEO Anna Corelli, President Dell'Omo and AJ the Bronc served coffee, tea, smoothies and more.
Performances started out pre-recorded and virtual, but by the fall, audiences were back to see Rider's talented students in dance, music and theater live.
One thing that never fails each year is the beauty of campus.
