Reception will honor Charlotte W. Newcombe scholars

Recipients of this year’s summer and fall Charlotte W. Newcombe scholarships will be honored at a private reception on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Art Gallery in the Bart Luedeke Center. 

The Annual Scholarship Reception features comments from President Mordechai Rozanski, as well as remarks by Jonathan Meer, vice president of University Advancement; Karen Crowell, assistant dean of the College of Continuing Studies; and Tom Wilfrid, executive director of the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation. All of the current recipients and their families have been invited to attend to be recognized for their commitment to academic success.   

Since 1981, the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation has provided scholarships specifically to Rider’s students who are women, age 25 or older, who are degree candidates and have completed at least half of a baccalaureate degree. Applicants may be enrolled part- or full-time and scholarships are awarded on the basis of clarity of career goals, financial need and academic record.  Beginning in 2013, the Foundation offered a $25,000 matching gift opportunity toward a new, endowed Rider Achievement-Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship Fund. Every dollar that Rider raises toward this fund is matched by the Newcombe Foundation.   

This year, 38 female students from across the University benefited from this scholarship support. Of that number, 33 are part-time students ranging in age from 25 to 60; many also hold full time jobs to help support their families while taking classes toward their degrees. The focus of their studies runs a gamut of interest — from psychology to business administration, English to nursing. One commonality they share is the high average GPA of 3.25. All have illustrated a commitment to pursing their dreams to achieve a college degree despite the challenges they’ve faced. 

Roxanne Dietzler ’89, a past scholarship recipient, said that being a Newcombe Scholar permitted her to continue her education. “I was very grateful to have received the scholarship. It allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. Now, I encourage my patients to pursue their own dreams and tell them about my experience with receiving the Newcombe scholarship. My story and the Newcombe Scholarship gives hope to others. As Walt Disney once said, 'If you can dream it, you can do it.'"

Faculty, staff and past Newcombe scholars are invited to attend the reception.  

Below are the names of the 2013 summer and fall recipients.