Saturday, May 16, 2026
More than 1,100 students earned their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees
Rider University celebrated the undergraduate and graduate Class of 2026 at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey, on May 16. More than 1,100 students earned their degrees.
President John R. Loyack, CPA, MBA, marked his first Commencement by thanking the Class of 2026 for welcoming him during his inaugural year and offering graduates advice to carry into their next chapter.
“We made it to the end together,” he said. “You are true Broncs.”
Loyack encouraged graduates to remain open to possibility, focus on their strengths and support others along the way.
“We actually use this rule on our leadership team: Start with yes,” he said. “Even if it sounds crazy. Even if it doesn’t make sense. Yes gives you the opportunity to explore.”
He closed by encouraging graduates to honor the support they received at Rider by extending it to others.
“As you become graduates and alumni today, pay that forward,” Loyack said. “Work with someone who needs some help. Give some advice when somebody asks. Be there for support, like someone was there for you and helped get you to where you are today.”
During the Undergraduate Ceremony, Petty Officer Scott C. Ruskan ’21 received an honorary Doctor of Laws and the Young Alumni Award. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rider, Ruskan enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he serves as an aviation survival technician and rescue swimmer, often deploying into extreme conditions to save lives.
In July 2025, during his first official mission, he responded to catastrophic flooding in central Texas. Ruskan served as the only triage coordinator at Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp along the Guadalupe River that rose 20 feet in two hours, helping to save 165 people.
“I used every single skill I learned while I was at Rider on that case,” Ruskan said. “The skills I learned from being on the track team and being involved on campus are things that don’t show up on your Canvas, your GPA or your diploma. But they are skills I know each one of you possesses. As you go forward into your next adventure after Commencement, know that you also possess the knowledge and skills to get through life, no matter what gets thrown your way.”
Marina Jean-Baptiste, a senior double major in psychology and behavioral neuroscience, addressed the undergraduate class, encouraging her fellow graduates to move forward with courage and compassion.
Victoria Riccardelli, who earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, addressed the graduate and doctoral class, focusing on vulnerability as a source of growth, both personally and professionally, and reflecting on the pressure many students feel to appear confident and capable, particularly in graduate education and professional settings.