Thursday, Mar 19, 2020
Dear Rider Community,
We are living through a time we will remember for the rest of our lives. From the youngest student to the most senior professor, none of us has ever confronted a challenge like the outbreak of COVID-19.
Facing that challenge, Rider has had to make tough, but necessary, decisions. But just because they are necessary doesn’t mean they aren’t heartbreaking.
As you know, we have closed residence halls and are moving to remote instruction following an extended spring break and continuing through the end of the spring semester. We have postponed the Commencement ceremonies for Rider and Westminster Choir College, as well as Westminster Reunions.
These decisions have been guided by two main priorities: protecting the health and safety of our campus community and ensuring continuity of instruction so that students can complete their academic requirements for the spring semester.
In the actions we have taken to achieve these two priorities, Rider is also playing its role in slowing the spread of this dangerous virus.
We don’t always have the chance to choose the situations we find ourselves in, but we can always choose how we respond to those situations. How we respond to this unprecedented situation matters, and I’ve been inspired by the response of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. I want to thank each of you who has responded to the demands of this moment not just by meeting them but exceeding them.
Thank you, students. You showed resiliency and grit when asked to leave your home away from home.
Thank you, faculty. You showed courage and cooperation when asked to quickly adapt to unfamiliar modes of instruction.
Thank you, staff. You showed selflessness when asked to embrace the needs of the institution as if they were your own.
Thank you, alumni. You showed generosity when asked to lend your spirit and support.
Thank you, parents and family members. You showed patience and grace when asked to trust us with the most important people in your lives.
These actions exemplify the heart of Rider’s mission: to prepare students to become responsible citizens who support the common good and contribute meaningfully to society. I’m proud to take part in this mission. I’m proud to be a Bronc.
We have more work to do, and the challenges are likely to grow in the coming weeks before they begin to subside. As they do, not all of us will bear the burdens and misfortunes of this outbreak equally. As always, we are committed to supporting all members of our community. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D.
President