Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Agnese Ceccarelli ’24 wins 107.7 The Bronc’s Cruisin’ From Commencement
Rider University graduate Agnese Ceccarelli ’24 is this year’s grand-prize winner of Rider’s Cruisin' From Commencement contest. Organized by the University's student-run radio station, 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM, the annual event gives students the chance to end their collegiate journey with the keys to a brand-new car.
The Class of 2024 mathematics and actuarial science major from Italy, drove away from her senior year with a two-year lease on a brand-new 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross L, courtesy of Team Toyota of Princeton. The grand prize also included ToyotaCare, the company’s comprehensive vehicle maintenance and roadside assistance plan.
“I have never had a car,” Ceccarelli remarks. “It's insane.”
Since 2016, graduating students have competed for the chance to win a new Toyota by submitting a compelling video about their Rider experience. The winner is selected by a panel of judges after narrowing down the entries to 10 finalists.
In her winning video, Ceccarelli expressed her deep appreciation of the Rider community, saying, “What I’m most grateful for from Rider is probably the Rider tennis team, the math program and department, and every single person that crossed my path here.”
During the grand finale event on May 10, each student was handed a key and presented with the exhilarating opportunity to start the engine.
“I couldn't find the ignition, first of all,” Ceccarelli says. “So I thought I was out of luck. Then the key went into the ignition and the engine started! It's crazy that I have a car now.”
All 10 finalists were awarded a catered graduation party by the #GetForky Gretalia Hospitality Group of Princeton, New Jersey.
John Mozes, general manager of 107.7 The Bronc, reflects on the significance of the contest, stating, "107.7 The Bronc's Cruisin' From Commencement is an exciting way for graduates to not only win a new Toyota from Team Toyota of Princeton, but it's also a unique opportunity for them to remember and reminisce about their time at Rider.”
Since its inception, Team Toyota of Princeton has proudly sponsored the contest, as Doug Zenzel, director of marketing for Team Toyota, explains, “Team Toyota is always excited to support the dreams and ambitions of these future leaders. And, what better way to do that than with a new car to help them drive to and from job interviews and commute to their very first jobs?”