Monday, Feb 9, 2015
Susan Polis Schutz ’66 and the student organization DAARSTOC received medals this month
Rider University has continued its presentation of sesquicentennial medals of excellence in the new year.
Artist, activist and long-time friend of Rider Susan Polis Schutz ’66 and the student organization DAARSTOC both received medals on separate occasions in January. The medals, which are being presented throughout Rider’s sesquicentennial year, recognize the achievements of alumni, board members, faculty, staff, friends and organizations who have gone above and beyond in assisting the University better serve its students.
With Steve Schutz, her husband of more than 44 years, Schutz started Blue Mountain Arts, a greeting card, poster and gift book publisher. She has penned numerous bestselling books of poetry and her poems have been published in over 425 million greeting cards, magazines and textbooks. She has also produced and directed several documentaries, including Seeds of Resiliency, which aired on PBS stations around the country, and Anyone and Everyone, a documentary film featuring the coming-out stories of gay sons and daughters and their parents that premiered on a number of public television stations throughout the United States.
“For her spirit, wisdom, leadership, and for being an exemplary figure of what it means to take charge of your life and follow your passion, Rider is honored to present a sesquicentennial medal of excellence to Susan Polis Schutz, one of our most inspirational alumna,” said Jonathan Meer, vice president for University Advancement, who presented Schutz the medal on Jan. 16.
As a student in the '60s, Schutz not only pursued degrees in both biology and English, but was also active on the Rider News team, and with Delta Phi Epsilon, Scribes, and student government. Armed with these dual degrees, she went on to graduate school in physiology while concurrently teaching elementary age students in Harlem and continuing to write for magazines and newspapers.
Rider has remained one of her passions. She and her husband have given generously to support scholarships that allow deserving students to pursue their educational dreams. She has been honored with the distinguished alumna award in both 1990 and 2004, as well as an honorary doctorate of laws degree from Rider in 1996. Today, she remains an active participant in Rider events and continues to be one of the university's most dedicated philanthropist.
“Throughout her lifetime, Susan has been a guiding light for others, reminding us that above all else, we should pursue the things we love and honor,” said Meer. “She has also made it possible, through her scholarships and gifts, to allow others to achieve their dreams.”
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs DonnaJean A. Fredeen presented a medal to DAARSTOC, one of the region’s premier executive skill-building organizations, at the College of Business Administration Open House on Jan. 22.
DAARSTOC, which stands for Developing Administrative Abilities and Resources Through the Synergistic Training of Organizational Competencies, has been a crown jewel of the Rider educational experience since its founding in 1976 by Mark Sandberg, dean emeritus of the College of Business Administration. Sandberg received the medal along with Gene Kutcher and the current president of the organization, senior Taffy Le.
“This medal is presented in recognition of the organization’s four decade impact on students and alumni who have been prepared to lead successful careers in a variety of industries,” Freeden said.
DAARSTOC provides opportunities for students to develop core skills, such as group facilitation, problem solving, interviewing and stress management, through weekly meetings and regular workshops that offer experiential learning activities including role plays, mock interviews, group decision tasks and public speaking. Boasting a network of over 300 alumni who are enjoying successful careers, DAARSTOC provides a critical and supportive first step along the path to career success.
Alumni, board members, faculty, staff, friends and organizations will continue to be presented with the medals at an array of 150th events throughout the semester. All will be recognized at the Sesquicentennial Gala on April 18.