I Believe in Rider

Dear faculty, staff and students, 

Over the past week, we have seen deep community engagement in discussing Rider’s future, and such passionate enthusiasm for the difference Rider makes in our students’ lives that I grow increasingly confident we will together meet this challenge and begin building a new Rider future. I want to thank everyone who was able to attend last week’s faculty and staff forum and today’s student forum to discuss the March to Sustainability Plan and the vision for a Reimagined Rider. We also had strong attendance at yesterday’s Zoom discussion with parents and appreciate all those who participated. I especially want to thank the Student Government Association for their expression of support as we navigate this challenging time. 

Only together can we weather the difficult steps needed to restructure Rider through the March to Sustainability Plan and create the new foundation for Rider and all it means to so many lives. So I have been especially inspired by how many times one question has come up again and again: “How can I help?” 

With this rising community conviction, we want to encourage all members of our community to become vocal champions of Rider University. To help build momentum, we are therefore launching a campaign we are calling I Believe in Rider – a phrase students and alumni started using last week on their own and that we want to encourage sharing in.

On social media, you can participate in this effort by using the attached social media graphics on your own channels with the hashtag #IBelieveinRider. Students, especially, each have their own inspiring Rider story. Share that story far and wide so we can remind everyone what makes Rider special. 

We also invite you to get an I Believe in Rider sticker and poster on Monday, November 24 from the Student Recreation Center (SRC) between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you cannot stop by at that time, you will find additional materials available afterward at the SRC check-in desk. We encourage you to display the stickers and posters on your office or residence hall doors – and post pictures of them on social media with #IBelieveinRider. 

I do believe in Rider University. And, I believe in our ability to come together during this challenging time for the sake of our Broncs today and tomorrow. 

Sincerely, 

John R. Loyack, CPA, MBA
President