Thursday, Aug 2, 2018
Fiscal year that ended in June amounts to highest level of support ever recorded in University history
by Adam Grybowski
Rider University raised a record amount of funds in the fiscal year that ended in June. Donors committed more than $13 million in gifts toward the University, signaling a strong level of support for the vision and future of the University.
Funds raised are used toward providing student scholarships, improving campus facilities, supporting Rider's D-I athletic programs and increasing academic opportunities through research, study abroad and other activities.
"Our priority is focused on creating a transformative experience for students through our Engaged Learning Program and a vibrant living and learning experience both in and out of the classroom," says Rider President Gregory G. Dell'Omo. "Financial support is crucial in helping us achieve those goals, and we're incredibly grateful to donors who demonstrated their belief in the power of a Rider education through their generosity."
The $13 million raised eclipsed the previous record set in 2012 when $11.4 million was raised.
Several multimillion gifts bolstered the fundraising efforts throughout the year, which also saw an increased enthusiasm for investing in endowed scholarships that will continue in perpetuity to benefit students and the University. A total of $1.7 million in endowment commitments was recorded, a 50 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. Donors also committed more than $2.5 million in student scholarship funding, which has grown by an average of 17.5 percent over the past five years.
"The record level of support in gifts of all sizes demonstrate how much President Dell'Omo's vision for Rider is resonating," says Karin Klim, vice president for University Advancement. "The generosity shown this year exceeded even our high expectations and is very encouraging as we look forward to advancing the mission of the University and fulfilling the goals outlined in Rider's strategic plan."
Klim praised the work of her team of professional fundraisers who work closely with constituents throughout campus and beyond to cultivate and secure resources to benefit Rider and its students.
"I want to thank not only our donors but the individuals on our staff who believe so strongly in the power of investing in Rider and the positive effects it has on the lives of students and alumni," Klim says. "Every day I see how driven they are to help make Rider the transformative institution it is."