Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024
Dear Rider Community,
I am writing to share some personal news with you. After much reflection, and nearly 10 years serving as President of Rider University, I have decided to retire at the conclusion of my current contract on July 31, 2025. This decision has not come easily, as my time at Rider has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life, but after nearly a decade leading this extraordinary institution, I am looking forward to spending more time with my wife Polly, my children, and especially my grandchildren.
Since my arrival back home to New Jersey in the summer of 2015, I have had the remarkable privilege of working alongside this impressive community of scholars, educators, staff and students. Together we have navigated challenges, celebrated achievements, pushed our institution forward, and through it all, we remained steadfast to the mission and values of our nearly 160-year-old institution.
The journey wasn’t always an easy one. In the past decade, higher education has undergone profound changes, many of which are interrelated and have broad implications for students, institutions and society at large. Higher education is encountering heightened scrutiny and criticism from various stakeholders, while simultaneously grappling with shifting student expectations, evolving workforce demands, escalating financial pressures and a looming enrollment cliff. Traditional educational models are being challenged, and the status quo is proving inadequate in addressing these complexities.
As if all of these hurdles weren’t enough, we weathered a global pandemic. Never in my mind could I have imagined the ways in which the COVID-19 crisis would test us, demanding resilience, creativity and a profound commitment to one another. But through it all, this community rose to the occasion with incredible strength and unity. As difficult as the pandemic was, it was also, I believe, a time I will look back on with appreciation.
There have been so many great moments in my tenure, both big and small, that I am incredibly proud of. Together, we have completed major renovations to our campus buildings and facilities. In addition to numerous upgrades to our residence halls, we renovated the Bart Luedeke Center (BLC), which includes the new Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the Zen Den, upgrades to Cranberry’s, Muller’s Pub and the Cavalla Room. We’ve renovated Sweigart Hall, our theaters and Gill Chapel. Additionally, the beautiful, new 9,500-square-foot addition to the Mike and Patti Hennessy Science & Technology Center created new classrooms, technology and collaborative space.
The relocation of Westminster Choir College from Princeton to Lawrenceville marked the next chapter in the choir college’s distinguished history. The corresponding facility improvements, including practice rooms, classrooms, faculty offices, library, rehearsal and performance spaces, new pianos, organs and technology allowed for the successful transition.
Next spring, we anticipate beginning the final phase of renovations to Alumni Gym, the first building ever opened on the Lawrenceville campus in 1958.
Much of our campus rehabilitation could not have been possible without the generous support of our loyal donors, many of whom are also dedicated alumni. The new Canastra Health and Sports Center, Stephen R. Beckett and Sharon McDonald-Beckett Village, Bierenbaum Fisher Hall, Lynch Adler Hall, Longstreet House and the Gary Taylor Wrestling Center, are all examples of facilities supported by those who believed deeply in the mission and values of Rider University, and wanted to give back in very meaningful ways.
I will always be forever grateful to Norm and Elaine Brodsky for their multimillion-dollar investment in what is now known as the Norm Brodsky College of Business. Their extraordinary contribution stands as the largest gift Rider University has ever received, reflecting the Brodskys' profound dedication to our institution and students.
When I began my tenure at Rider, we set out with a clear vision to make this a place where academic excellence is accessible to all, regardless of financial background. College affordability has always been a personal passion of mine, and I am proud of the strides we have made to ensure that a quality education is within reach for every student.
Together, we have expanded scholarships and endowments, increased financial aid, and developed innovative programs such as Lifting Barriers to reduce the burden of tuition and other costs. These efforts have allowed us to welcome more students from diverse backgrounds, enriching our community and upholding the values of equity and inclusion that define Rider.
Much of our progress has been made possible by our Transforming Students — Transforming Lives comprehensive fundraising campaign, which is nearing completion of its expanded $100 million goal. Building and renovating new facilities, funding scholarships and growing our endowment through the philanthropic gifts we have received, has ensured that Rider University remains a vibrant, forward-looking institution.
Our alumni, faculty, staff and friends, along with our corporate and foundation partners, continue to demonstrate their commitment to Rider and create opportunities for our students. Since the inception of our comprehensive campaign, a total of 43 new endowed scholarships have been created. These endowed funds, which are invested and grow over time, ensure permanent sources of support for our students.
Over the past decade, we have also worked together to enhance our academic portfolio with numerous new programs. Offering these relevant programs not only helps attract students seeking education aligned with their career goals, but also equips them with the knowledge needed to be more competitive in the job market.
To support students outside of the classroom, we invested in initiatives that helped set Rider apart from the competition such as our Engaged Learning Program and Cranberry Investment, both of which reflect our deep commitment to experiential learning, student outcomes and career success.
I am grateful to have worked with an incredible board of trustees, and am especially appreciative of the support and guidance provided by those who served as chairs during my tenure including Michael Kennedy, Robert Schimek, John Guarino and our current chair, Joan Mazzotti. The trustees’ dedication to the mission and vision of Rider University has been instrumental in driving the progress we have achieved. The board’s leadership, wisdom and commitment to the future of this institution have not only supported my efforts as president, but have also ensured that Rider University remains a place of excellence and opportunity. Their counsel and collaboration have been invaluable, and I am deeply thankful for the trust they placed in me.
Soon you will hear directly from the Board of Trustees about their plans to search for new leadership of our University.
I want to assure you that I remain fully committed to serving Rider University throughout the remainder of this academic year and my tenure. We have much work to do, and it is imperative that we face the challenges of our time with urgency and purpose. We have a responsibility as educators, leaders and members of this community to create a Rider University that is sustainable, resilient and forward-thinking.
My dedication to our University, our students and our mission is as strong as ever. I will continue to work diligently to ensure a smooth transition and to advance the goals we have set together. With the support of our talented leadership team, faculty and staff, I am confident that we will continue to make significant strides this year, and I am eager to see these efforts through.
Please know that I am deeply grateful for your support, dedication and friendship throughout my tenure. I look forward to the opportunities we will have this year to connect and reflect on our shared journey together.
Until then, Go Broncs!
Sincerely,
Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D.
President