Rider University to honor longtime supporters Wayne and Jill Canastra '72 and Alan R. Hammer '68

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Rider University will celebrate a lasting family legacy of generosity and service on June 17 when it formally renames Alumni Gymnasium as Canastra Hammer Arena in recognition of Wayne and Jill Canastra ’72 and dedicates the Alan R. Hammer ’68 Classroom in Anne Brossman Sweigart Hall.

A longstanding part of the Rider experience, Alumni Gymnasium has served generations of students, alumni and fans and has been modernized over the years with updates such as a new video board, scorer’s table, seating enhancements and offices, along with new practice facilities and locker rooms for the men’s and women’s basketball programs.

The Canastras, who met at Rider, have been among Rider’s most dedicated supporters for decades. Their generosity has touched nearly every corner of campus, from major investments in Rider Athletics to endowed scholarships, campus beautification efforts, the Canastra Health and Sports Center and renovations to the Richard A. Coppola Pool — a body of work that makes the naming of Canastra Hammer Arena a fitting tribute.

Wayne, who earned a bachelor's in secondary education from Rider, is co-founder of Affiliated Management/Development, Inc., a privately owned property management firm. In 2012, he received the Gordon E. Prichard Award for Volunteer Service, which honors distinguished and exceptional volunteer service to the University. Jill, whose family name is Hammer, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Rider and now serves on the Board of Trustees following a career as an educator. In 1998, she was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rider’s School of Education. For their lifelong dedication to Rider Athletics, the couple received the Herb R. Young Award in 2019. 

“To know that our families' names will be displayed across this campus for years to come is deeply meaningful to us,” say Wayne and Jill. “But what matters most is what happens inside these spaces, and the students whose lives will be shaped by what they experience here, just as ours were.”

Jill's brother, Alan R. Hammer '68, earned his bachelor’s degree in commerce from Rider and his juris doctor from Rutgers before going on to build a distinguished career in real estate and law. He is a member of Brach Eichler LLC, joining the firm in 1971, and has been ranked among the top real estate attorneys in New Jersey by Chambers USA and recognized in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for more than 20 years. In addition to the practice of law, Alan operates apartment complexes throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.

The Alan R. Hammer '68 Classroom in Anne Brossman Sweigart Hall will honor his professional accomplishments, his connection to Rider and the family's continued investment in spaces that support teaching and learning.

"Wayne, Jill and Alan represent the very best of Rider's alumni community," says President John R. Loyack, CPA, MBA. "Their generosity, leadership and deep belief in the high-quality education Rider is known for have created opportunities that will benefit our students for generations. It is a privilege to honor their family's legacy in a way that impacts so many within our campus community and those just visiting to cheer on the Broncs."

Members of the Rider community are invited to attend the June 17 dedication ceremony at 3:30 p.m. outside Alumni Gym. The event will include remarks, the formal naming of Canastra Hammer Arena, the unveiling of the Alan R. Hammer '68 Classroom and light refreshments.