Meet Your Orientation Staff

We, the Orientation Leaders of Rider University, are motivated to maintain a transparent and accountable work culture, encouraging each other to reach our full potential. We will remain grounded and dedicated in our purpose to lead with humility and authenticity, creating a genuine sense of belonging within our community. In doing so, we will effectively acclimate the next generation of Broncs to their new home and empower them to grow, thrive, and lead through all facets of their Rider journey.

Meet Your Orientation Leaders

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Liz Karns

Hometown: Haddon Heights, New Jersey
Class Year: 2027
Major: Business and Data Analytics
Campus Involvement: Vice President of Programming and Services for the Rider University Greek Council, Director of Finances and Coordinator of Website for Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, Former Director of Programming for National Panhellenic Conference, Graphic Design Chair for Greek Council Programming Committee, Trustee Scholar, Tour Guide for the Office of Admissions, member of Alpha Lambda Delta National Freshman Honor Society, Member of Club Tennis, and of course, an Orientation Leader!

Hey future Broncs! My name is Liz Karns and I am so excited to be an Orientation Leader and connect with you all this year! I had a blast at my orientation as a freshman, and I hope to help provide the same experience with y’all! This is the only time you get to experience a fun program like this, so make the most of it! Make new friends, explore campus, and really get a feel for the Rider experience!

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Owen McCarron

Hometown: West Windsor, NJ
Class Year: 2026
Major: Radio & Podcasting, Minor in Sports Media
Campus Involvement: 2024 & 2025 Rider Orientation Leader. Former Brotherhood, Marketing, and Social Chair of Theta Chi. Current New Member Educator -Marshal- of Theta Chi. Current Greek Ambassador for Rider University Greek Life (RUGC) and Division 1 Women's Basketball Color/Play by Play commentator. Former Lawrence High School Baseball Play by Play Commentator, Promotions Director and current two time Student Chief Engineer at 107.7 The Bronc. Host of Award Winning Best Morning Show, “Wake Up Rider”, on 107.7 The Bronc, Admissions tour guide, and 4 Sport Intramural Athlete: basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, flag football.
 
What’s up team! My name is Owen McCarron and for the second time I’ll be a part of the fantastic New Student Orientation team here at Rider University. I’m always up for conversation and trying to help out any new students to the best of my ability so that your Rider experience will be as beneficial as mine has been. I look forward to meeting all of you in the summer and seeing how you all grow into fantastic students and people. If you have any questions, reach out to your OLs, we’re here to help and I promise we’ll have a little fun along the way. 

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Joe Rankel

Hometown: Richboro, PA
Class Year: 2027
Major: Accounting
Campus Involvement: Secretary for Theta Chi Fraternity, Secretary for Rider University Greek Council Programming Committee, Andrew J. Rider Scholar, Supplemental Instruction accounting tutor for Academic Success Center, Former Brotherhood chair for Theta Chi Fraternity, and Orientation Leader
 
Hi incoming Broncs! First and foremost, welcome to Rider University! I’m excited to help you all begin your college journey and get acclimated to our campus. I can’t wait to introduce you all to the different opportunities presented at Rider and start the journey with you!

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Evan Schwantes

Hometown: Maple Shade, NJ
Class Year: 2026
Major: Data Analytics and Finance
Campus Involvement: President of Rider University Greek Council, Vice President of Special Events for the Student Entertainment Council, Treasurer for Theta Chi Fraternity. Bartender at Mueller’s Pub. Former Interfraternity Council President, former Fundraising and Philanthropy chairman for Theta Chi Fraternity. Former Student Entertainment Council Off-Campus Trips Chairman. Known Intramural Sports Enthusiast. 2024 AND 2025 Orientation Leader 
 
What’s up guys, welcome to Rider. I am excited to get to meet all of you and welcome you into your new home away from home. If there’s one piece of advice I could offer, it’d be to get involved and push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

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Sahmya Kasaranda Smith 

Hometown: Passaic, NJ
Class Year: 2026
Major: Political Science
Campus Involvement: Community Assistant of Olson Hall,  Bonner Community Leader, Bonner Leadership Team Member, Member of the EOP Scholar Program, Member of Rider Votes, Member of the Transfer Student Association, Volunteer at Rider Resource Pantry, Former Member of the National Model United Nations, Member of Pi Gamma Mu; Social Science Honor Society, 2025 Orientation Leader

Hi everyone, Welcome to Rider! I can not wait to meet all of the potential future leaders of our campus! I hope you can find your home the same way I did at Rider and that can start at Orientation! See you there!

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Abbie Spears

Hometown: Middletown, NJ
Class Year: 2026
Major: Global Supply Chain Management and International Business
Campus Involvement: Chapter President of Delta Phi Epsilon, Former Vice President of Membership Development of Delta Phi Epsilon, Member of Alpha Lambda Delta National Freshman Honor Society, Former Bronc for A Day Ambassador, Former Customer Service Representative for the Student Recreation Center, Fall 2023 Manager of the Rider Women’s Lacrosse Team, and 2025 Orientation Leader!
 
Welcome to Rider! I’m so excited you’re here! I can’t wait to meet you all and help you find your home away from home! Orientation is such a rewarding experience and I can’t wait for you all to join us and make the most wonderful memories here! 

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Emma Trinneer

Hometown: Hackettstown, New Jersey
Class Year: 2026
Major: Communication Studies, Minor in Event Planning and Production
Campus Involvement: President and Panhellenic Delegate of Phi Sigma Sigma, Tour Guide for the Office of Admissions, Campus Traditions chairman of Student Entertainment Council, former chairman for Rider University Greek Council Programming Committee, member of Order of Omega and Pi Gamma Mu honor society and Orientation Leader.
 
Welcome, future broncs! Congratulations, and welcome home! I am beyond excited to welcome you to your first steps in your college experience! Now is the time to discover who you are, explore the countless opportunities, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, broncs never ride alone!

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Vivian Velasquez Banegas  

Hometown: Pleasantville, NJ
Class Year: 2027
Major: Health Care Management 
Minor: Health Care Policy
Campus Involvement: Multicultural Greek Council President, President, Social Media Chair, Academic Chair, Historian of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority Inc., Community Assistant, Bronc for a Day Ambassador, Former Multicultural Greek Council Bonding Chair, Former member of the Rider Dance Team, Orientation Leader
 
Hey future broncs! I am so excited to be one of your Orientation Leaders this summer and meet you all! The beginning of your college experience starts here! With unforgettable memories, lasting friendships and wonderful opportunities, this is your chance to make Rider your home away from home! See you soon!
 

Meet Your Orientation Professional Staff