City of Trenton receives Sesquicentennial Medal from Rider

On behalf of the city of Trenton, Mayor Eric Jackson accepted a Sesquicentennial Medal of Excellence from Rider University on Nov. 25, 2014.

Rider was founded as the Trenton Business College in 1865 in Temperance Hall, a single building at the corner of Broad and Front streets in Trenton, and remained in the city until 1964, when the college was completely relocated to nearby Lawrenceville.

“As we look forward to mutually bright futures, we remain indebted to the city of our birthplace and thankful for the positive relationship we continue to share today,” said Jonathan Meer, vice president for University Advancement, before the presentation at the Trenton City Council meeting in City Hall.

Sesquicentennial medals are being distributed on the occasion of Rider’s 150th anniversary. They recognize members of the Rider family whose exemplary achievements have brought honor to the University.

“As we celebrate Rider’s sesquicentennial anniversary, we must also reflect on those individuals, organizations and municipalities that ensured our success, including the city where the institution was born, and where we called home for almost a century,” Meer said.

In 1865, Trenton — like most cities in the aftermath of the Civil War — witnessed the return of thousands of soldiers to civilian life. At that time, New Jersey’s state capital was home to dozens of rapidly growing manufacturing firms, all of which had a single pressing need: a well-trained workforce. While the city of Trenton supplied the world with much-needed materials like steel, rubber, wire, rope, linoleum, and ceramic products, Rider taught city residents and others accounting, bookkeeping, shorthand, typewriting and commercial law, preparing them to enter the competitive job market of the day.

“Over the years, it was not just the academic coursework the college offered that students loved; it was also life in Trenton,” Meer said, noting the landmarks beloved by students in Rider’s early years, including the the College Sweet Shop at the corner of East State and Ewing streets and Greenfield’s Fountain and Luncheonette at the corner of East State Street and South Clinton Street.

“Today, the ties between Rider University and the City of Trenton remain strong,” Meer said. “While numerous faculty, staff and students call Trenton home, the city continues to offer our students opportunities to expand their educational horizons.”

He cited a number of community partnerships, including Minding Our Business, an affiliated nonprofit, and said the city provides opportunities for student teaching and internships in health care, media, state government and business.

“Trenton and Rider remain linked together today, as we were so many years ago in that one stone building on Broad Street,” Meer said.