Friday, Sep 3, 2021
Meet the students randomly selected to receive a full year of tuition for submitting proof of vaccination
Three Broncs are starting the fall semester fully vaccinated and with their tuition fully paid.
In July, President Gregory G. Dell'Omo, Ph.D., announced that three students who submitted proof of COVID-19 vaccination by Aug. 1 would be eligible to receive free tuition for the 2021-22 academic year. After randomly selecting an undergraduate student, a graduate student and continuing studies student, these are the lucky Broncs.
Jordyn Locks, sophomore exercise science major
"Being able to receive free tuition is truly a blessing," she says. "It means that I don’t have to worry so much about paying for my five-year degree in the exercise science program. It means less stress on my parents and I, and also means I can fully focus on being the best version of myself and not think about what the tuition bill says when it comes in."
Andrea McManus, graduate student in school psychology
"Receiving free tuition for the semester is life changing, and it came at the perfect time," she says. "I started my school psychology internship this year and being able to focus solely on the work-learning how to best help students reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond — while not having to worry about the financial aspect of my education — is a gift and one I won’t soon forget. I will use it, and I will pay it forward through my work. I so strongly believe in the good in people and so much good will come from this. I can’t thank the university enough."
Brian Lambracht, continuing studies student in business administration
"Receiving free tuition is awesome," he says. "I am learning without having to pay for it. I am getting free knowledge! Receiving free tuition also means that there will be more financial freedom in my future. I am truly grateful."
Carol Curtis '69, '11 was originally one of the three students selected to receive a free year's worth of tuition. Curtis, who earned her bachelor's at 61 and has continued to audit classes at Rider ever since, decided to pay it forward. She asked Rider to choose another student.
"I could have gone back to get my master’s, but I couldn’t knowing that there may be a kid struggling to pay for school or will be when they graduate," she says. "Let somebody who needs it use it. This will be a good help for them so they can stay in school and earn their degree."