Carrie Lettiere ’15 represents the latest graduate from a Rider-centric family. Her parents, Jack ’88, left, and Barb ’79, right, are both graduates, as are her grandparents Thaddeus ’52 and Eleanor Meskill ’43, great aunt Helen K. Beebe ’42, aunt Barbara Connor ’78 and uncle Eugene Meskill ’75.
What made you decide to attend Rider?
Rider was close to home and yet just far enough away to allow me to live on campus and have a full college experience. I had heard a lot from my extended family about the small class sizes, so I knew I would get to know my peers and professors by name. Finally, I was drawn to the tight-knit community within the University.
Were you happy that other members of your family chose Rider?
A Rider education has been in my family for two generations, and being the third generation to receive a quality education makes me proud. Hearing my parents tell Rider stories when I was in high school made me realize it was a place where I could have individualized attention from my professors and also a place where I could be myself.
Carrie Lettiere ’15 represents the latest graduate from a Rider-centric family. Her parents, Jack ’88, left, and Barb ’79, right, are both graduates, as are her grandparents Thaddeus ’52 and Eleanor Meskill ’43, great aunt Helen K. Beebe ’42, aunt Barbara Connor ’78 and uncle Eugene Meskill ’75.
How do you hope Rider will continue to be part of your life?
From the moment I graduated this year, I wanted Rider to remain a part of my life. My hope is that I can network with other alumni and learn about how Rider shaped them professionally. Additionally, I hope to be able to connect with current students and inform them on life in the professional realm.
Tell us about a memorable course or professor.
I had numerous excellent professors, but Dr. Erica Ryan of the American Studies/English Department stands out the most to me. In her American Studies seminar, many of the classes were discussion-based and I truly loved that aspect. She was always available to talk before and after class, and she was down-to-earth and easy to relate to.
Favorite place on campus?
It’s a toss-up between the Student Recreation Center (SRC) or Cranberry’s. The SRC was where I did homework, met up with friends and had rehearsal on the weekends for Rider Dance Ensemble. Then again, after just about every dance show or tech rehearsal, my friends and I would go to Cranberry’s to get milkshakes, hang out and chat.
What three words describe Rider for you?
Dedicated, reliable and friendly.
