by Kristine Brown
When Dr. Walter A. Brower ’48 (pictured above on the right with President Franklin F. Moore) retired from Rider University in 1993, his colleagues feted him with countless accolades, recalling the former dean of the School of Education and alumnus as compassionate, patient, kind, dedicated, understanding, inspiring, encouraging, professional and wise. One staff member said, “Walt Brower was, is and always will be the epitome of Rider.”
More than two decades later, Brower maintains his legacy and reputation throughout the Rider community as the University’s unofficial historian, and, more important, as the institution’s friend.
He was a member of the Rider faculty for 45 years and dean of the School of Education for 21 of those years. After retirement, he continued on as an adjunct professor, having spent more than six decades at his alma mater.
As Rider embarks on its sesquicentennial anniversary, Brower’s books (Full of Promise: The Story of Rider College 1865 to 1994 and Keeping the Promise: The Story of Rider University 1964 to 2012) and memories, have been invaluable to the Rider community, which is preparing for a year of celebration.
Highly respected in the field of education, Brower was recently honored with the Distinguished Educator Award from the New Jersey Council of Education, an organization dedicated to enhancing the state’s public schools by bringing together professionals from schools, colleges and government. Its annual award is given to an individual for his or her years of dedicated service to the field of education and to the students of New Jersey.
Brower has made an indelible mark on Rider. He continues to be a significant part of Rider’s history, as his loyalty, leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence will be celebrated well into the future.
