Trustees approve next phase of Campaign for Rider Athletics

At its Feb. 24 meeting, the Rider University Board of Trustees approved the next element of a multi-phase campaign to expand and renovate Alumni Gymnasium. This new phase will include a suite of basketball coaches’ offices and team meeting/film rooms that will link Alumni Gym with a state-of-the-art practice facility currently under construction. In July of 2015 ground was broken for an 8,400 square foot basketball practice facility, the second part of a project to enhance and expand Rider’s historic Alumni Gymnasium, the oldest building on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus. Construction is expected to be completed this spring.  “It is exciting that the project continues to move forward, thanks to donor support and Board approval,” said Rider Director of Athletics Don Harnum. “We’re confident that these new facilities will provide our coaching staffs with a competitive edge in both recruiting new student-athletes and developing the strong talent already on campus.” Inside the practice facility is Jason Thompson Court, named in honor of the 2008 Rider grad and current member of the NBA Toronto Raptors who made a significant and generous contribution to the project last year. “Jason has always been a great ambassador for Rider University, both during his time at Rider and in his career in the NBA,” said Harnum. “The Jason Thompson Court recognizes Jason for his financial commitment to the Campaign for Rider Athletics, his passion for Rider Basketball and his willingness to help us move the program forward."  Thompson played in 541 NBA games as a Sacramento King, after being the 12th player (and first college graduate) selected in the 2008 NBA draft. Thompson compiled over 5,000 points and 3,750 rebounds in seven seasons with Kings before being acquired last summer by the World Champion Golden State Warriors and, more recently, by the Eastern Division-leading Raptors.  The first phase of the project, completed two years ago, included the addition of a state-of-the-art HD video board; modern heating, air conditioning and lighting; new flooring; a new sound system and branding initiatives.  The Campaign for Rider Athletics, funded entirely through the support of private donations, is a top priority for Rider’s new President, Dr. Gregory Dell’Omo. “Our Division I athletics program is a vitally important window through which so many members of our communities view the University. It’s critical that when people look through that window, they see modern and attractive facilities packed with enthusiastic students, faculty, staff, parents and friends.” Future phases of the Campaign for Rider Athletics will include renovated locker rooms, expanded premium seating, enhanced fan amenities and a strength and conditioning center.    For more information on the campaign, please visit www.rider.edu/athleticscampaign.