Thursday, April 2, 2020

Members of the Rider community,

The student staff of The Rider News will continue to provide ongoing coverage related to campus news, sports, features and entertainment, and opinion, throughout the spring semester. Due to the university's transition to remote learning in response to the coronavirus outbreak, The Rider News has transitioned to a fully digital, online publication of our weekly newspaper each Wednesday, effective April 1, 2020 through April 29.

This Week's Stories

News

The coronavirus has changed course for the entire country, with millions of people now on lockdown and stripped of work. The steps that Rider has taken in the face of a global pandemic (By Austin Ferguson)

Tony Whalen, '97, former president of Student Government Association and founding member of Rider’s chapter of the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon, died on March 25 due to complications related to COVID-19. The legacy he left behind, and the impact he had on students, staff and faculty during and after his time at the university (By Lauren Minore)

Rider elects to implement a pass or no credit option for students during the spring semester in response to remote and alternative learning procedures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. What the new policy means for current students and faculty (By Stephen Neukam)

As students suddenly left campus, community assistants raced for answers about their pay. The movement to secure pay for the community assistants and how this rift has caused tensions between them and the administration (By Tatyanna Carman)

Although the university transition to remote and alternative learning to allow students to go back home for the semester, several students decided to stay on campus and abroad for the semester. A student living on campus and a student abroad weigh in on the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on their experiences (By Hailey Hensley)

Opinion

From a Rider and Rider News alumnus: How the internet is making sure journalism, in such an important time, can go on. Letter to the Editor (By Ron Panarotti)

Opinion: DC and Marvel superhero movies play a critical role in society. How "Birds of Prey" inspired one student and gave her more self-confidence (By Cassandra Stathis)

Features and Entertainment

After months of rehearsals and practice, Rider's mainstage productions have been canceled in the face of the coronavirus. The disappointment and dismay that the cast members feel, and the bond that still continues between them (By Jason Mount)

With the undergraduate commencement ceremony postponed, several seniors express their concerns and emotions to The Rider News. Seniors reflect on their semester cut too short (By Christian McCarville)

Sports

As Rider students navigate the difficulties of the coronavirus at home, other Broncs face the pandemic's effects in another hard-hit country: Spain. Three Rider soccer players detail how their lives have changed and one at the epicenter of the crisis in Spain — Madrid — on how he is coping with new realities (By Shaun Chornobroff)

Following the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's decision to cancel the spring sports seasons, track-and-field, basketball, and baseball players discuss their emotions about the sudden end to their seasons. How Rider's student-athletes are adjusting to life without sports (By Dylan Manfre)

As college basketball careers end for several all-star Broncs, new recruits look forward to beginning their journeys at Rider. Introducing the eight players verbally committed to join Rider's men's basketball team for the 2020-2021 season(By Austin Ferguson)

We encourage you all to follow The Rider News on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for breaking news, stories, and updates. If you wish to subscribe to our digital email list, for weekly emails with links to our stories and updates, please fill out this form with your name and email address.

The staff of The Rider News wishes you all health and wellness during this unprecedented, historical time. Thank you for your continued support and readership of our publication.

Sincerely,

Stephen Neukam and Lauren Minore Executive and Managing Editor of The Rider News News

Rider takes drastic measures in response to international pandemic

By Austin Ferguson

After the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Rider University announced on March 17 that it is moving to remote instruction for the remainder of the spring semester, starting on March 30.

The university’s update through a campus-wide email supersedes the previous decision to continue remote instruction through April 10 in light of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s executive order to close all New Jersey schools.

Rider University @RiderUniversity

Update March 17: The University is extending remote instruction through the end of the spring semester, including exams. Residence halls will close with limited exceptions. Commencement ceremonies have been postponed.

Full details here: https://bit.ly/3a1je11

Update on University operations | Rider University Dear Rider Community, We are writing to share new information in light of recent guidance announced by President Donald Trump, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Secretary of Higher rider.edu

3:52 PM - Mar 17, 2020

Rider’s campus-wide email also stated that both Lawrenceville and Princeton’s campuses would be closed with “limited exceptions,” allowing for students whose primary residence is on campus and students who are unable to return home to remain on campus.

Students that were able to return home were asked to do so by noon on March 20, while students returning to campus to gather belongings were asked to do so between March 19 and March 29. Students were assigned move-out time slots between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on each day of the move-out period in order to stagger the number of students moving out in accordance with social distancing advisories.

The university added in its update that final exams will be administered remotely. Final exams were originally scheduled to take place on both campuses between May 4 and May 12.

Murphy announced at a press conference on March 16 that he was putting a stop to in-person instruction at all New Jersey schools, including colleges and universities, until further notice.

https://youtu.be/Fq6XeCWsgnM

“[Schools] will remain closed until such time as it is deemed by health officials to be safe for them to reopen to students and staff and for classes to resume,” Murphy said during his press conference. “And we don’t know when that will be.”

Both Westminster Choir College (WCC) and Rider University’s commencement ceremonies, which were originally scheduled for May 15 and 16 respectively, were also postponed, per the university’s message sent on March 17.

Senior sociology major Brianne Remy was disappointed about not being able to experience senior week but understood what needed to be done. “It’s really unfortunate,” Remy said. “I was looking forward to senior week and being able to end college with people at school…I think at this point it is about being able to understand what’s going on and how to move forward respectfully.”

Senior sports media major Jake Ross was not too concerned with a change in date for his commencement ceremony.

“I haven’t thought too much about it. I’m hoping [COVID-19] can be under control within the next few months. Once that happens, I’m sure a future date for commencement will be figured out,” Ross stated.

University President Gregory Dell’Omo delivered a message through a campus-wide email on March 19 that, as many other officials have with their dealings with COVID-19, outlined safety as the chief concern as to how to proceed.

“These decisions have been guided by two main priorities,” Dell’Omo said in the message. “Protecting the health and safety of our campus community and ensuring continuity of instruction so that students can complete their academic requirements for the spring semester.” Dell’Omo also expressed gratitude toward the response of the Rider community during the pandemic.

“How we respond to this unprecedented situation matters, and I’ve been inspired by the response of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. I want to thank each of you who has responded to the demands of this moment not just by meeting them but exceeding them,” Dell’Omo said. On March 16, the university announced that a Westminster Conservatory student, who is not enrolled at WCC or Rider University, along with their parents, had tested positive for COVID- 19. It was announced that the family had visited the Princeton campus on March 7 and 8. On March 21, the university announced that a Westminster Conservatory instructor, who was in contact with a limited number of individuals, tested positive for COVID-19. The university’s notification stated that the student and instructor’s cases were not related.

As of March 27, there were 11 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Lawrence, New Jersey, none of which were present on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus.

An updated list of confirmed cases in and affecting the Rider’s campuses can be found on its webpage dedicated to COVID-19.

Dell’Omo concluded his March 19 message by acknowledging the difficulty of the situation the university faces ahead.

“We have more work to do, and the challenges are likely to grow in the coming weeks before they begin to subside,” Dell’Omo said. “As they do, not all of us will bear the burdens and misfortunes of this outbreak equally. As always, we are committed to supporting all members of our community. We will get through this together.” Fallen Rider alumnus leaves his legacy on campus community

By Lauren Minore

Tony Whalen, left, died on March 25 from complications related to the coronavirus. He was 45 years old. Photo courtesy of Rider University.

Tony Whalen was many things to many people: A father, a husband, a friend, a mentor, an advisor and a former student, among other roles. At Rider University, his legacy remains.

Whalen, 45, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, died on March 25, from complications related to the novel coronavirus, making him the first known member of the Rider community to die as a result of the pandemic, according to Rider’s website.

A 1997 graduate of Rider’s political science and Spanish programs, Whalen notably served as president of the Student Government Association and founding member of Rider’s chapter of the social fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Rider University Student Government Association March 27 ·

Tony Whalen ‘97 was an active alumnus here at Rider and truly embodied what it meant to be a Bronc. As the SGA Student Body President and founding father of Rider’s NJ Zeta Chapter of SigEp, Tony was involved on campus and was sure to support other leaders after he graduated; he will be missed. Our entire SGA family is keeping Tony’s family in their thoughts and they have our support. To support the Whalen family please consider don ting to their GoFundMe p ge https://www gofundme com/f/wh len family support

Brandon Scalea, who was a journalism major before graduating from Rider in 2018, was also an executive board member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and worked closely with Whalen during his term.

“He was constantly involved with the chapter, always checking in on us,” Scalea said. “He just loved Rider.”

In addition to playing an advisory role for the chapter, Whalen also recently served as president of the chapter’s alumni association, according to Scalea.

Scalea said that the fact that Whalen had a career and a family, yet still made time to attend fraternity events and Rider basketball games, spoke to his dedication and love for the university.

During his time at Rider, Whalen was a member of several honor societies and participated in the Student Entertainment Council and Model United Nations. Whalen also led the fundraising efforts which went toward the construction of a gazebo on Centennial Lake, according to Rider’s website.

Frank Rusciano, a political science professor, reflected fondly upon his experience teaching Whalen.

“He was a good student, with a great sense of humor,” Rusciano said. “He was always an active participant in class and had many great friends.”

On March 24, a GoFundMe fundraiser page was created in his honor to support the cost of his medical and hospital expenses before he died, with an initial goal of $50,000. “Tony Whalen: Father, Husband, Friend, Brother. He is the first person to reach out his hand to lift you up when things go wrong,” the fundraiser message said. “He is the guy cheering you on in your endeavors, rallying the group to help those in need and giving brotherly love at the most needed times.”

An update on March 26 by organizer Andrew Wong said that the initial goal was being adjusted to $150,000 to cover the cost of medical expenses, Whalen’s funeral expenses and to aid in the family’s loss. Over 2,300 individual donors surpassed the fundraiser’s new goal, raising a total of $155,677 as of March 31.

Whalen was survived by his wife, Laura, and two children, according to Rider’s website. According to the organizers of the online fundraiser, Whalen’s wife and children are recovering at home after also being hospitalized with COVID-19 diagnoses.

Scalea put it simply, “Just the outpouring of support and people writing nice messages showed how many people he touched.”

SigEp RiderUniversity

We are sad to announce that one of our founders, Tony Whalen lost his battle to COVID-19 on Wednesday. He has done a lot for our chapter and for our organization as a whole. Tony is a prime example on how a brother should act and he will be missed. There is a page that has been set up to help his family through this tough time. Let’s all show some brotherly love and help out as much as we can! The link of the page would be down below #VDBL #7

https://www.gofundme.com/f/whalen-family-support

Rider votes to implement pass/no credit option for students

By Stephen Neukam

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to alter life at the university, Rider adopted a measure that will allow students to choose a pass/no credit option for their spring semester courses after a University Academic Policy Committee (UAPC) vote on March 31.

Rider University @RiderUniversity

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rider University will offer its undergraduate students the option to convert any of their spring 2020 courses to pass/no credit. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/2xzNIZR

March 31: Pass/No Credit Policy | Rider University

Dear Rider University Community, In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rider University will offer its undergraduate students the option to convert any of their spring 2020 courses to pass/no credit, rider.edu

3:25 PM - Mar 31, 2020

The passing option, which is available for any grade of a C or higher, will count toward a student’s graduation requirement, while the no credit option will not count toward graduation requirements. Neither option will be calculated for the semester or cumulative GPA.

Students will have between May 12 and May 29 to choose an option for each class grade. Their decisions will be permanent.

The policy is another show of flexibility from the university as its faculty, staff and students attempt to transition to remote instruction after the school decided to discontinue in-person classes for the remainder of the semester.

The university’s vote followed an online petition on Change.org urging Rider to adopt the pass/no credit provision. As of March 31, the petition was signed by over 1,600 people.

The petition outlined the difficulties facing both instructors and students, including the fact that some professors are not familiar or comfortable with running an online course, some students live in different time zones that make it difficult to stay in stride with their coursework and some may not have access to essential forms of technology used for remote instruction.

“For these reasons and others, the administration should allow the courses to be graded as a pass- fail grading structure this semester,” read the petition. “This way, a student’s GPA will not suffer when under normal circumstances. They would have been higher taking the same class and relieving some of the stress that has come with dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, including housing, finances, supplies and staying healthy. It is unfair to expect that all students can learn the same, many students cannot learn properly from an online course.”

Sophomore criminal justice major Samantha Sachatelli signed the petition and empathizes with students who are not accustomed to online learning. She implored the university to be as flexible as possible for students.

“No one asked for this virus, but it is something we all need to deal with. I know many students, including myself, are not online learners,” said Sachatelli. “It is easier for some people to be in a classroom and have the professor right in front of you. I think pass or fail classes are important because we didn’t sign up for online classes. We are just dealing with what comes our way. It is not fair to make the students suffer on top of the anxiety and stress we already have from being home in such a monumental time period.”

Sachatelli also said she wished that the university would waive GPA requirements for the spring semester.

The vote was made possible after the UAPC, the committee of academic governance between the university administration and Rider’s American Association of University Professors union, altered its usual protocols for considering proposals. Typically, the committee allowed for 60 calendar days to consider a vote. The administration and representatives from each college came to an agreement to expedite the process because of its urgency. Diane Campbell, an associate professor, librarian and the chair of the UAPC, said that the pass/no credit measure was received “very favorably” by the committee and passed comfortably after significant work on the wording of the policy.

“People’s lives are really chaotic right now,” said Campbell. “We wanted the students to have a way to respond to their individual circumstances.”

Campbell also realized the difficulties the switch to remote instruction poses for instructors and the frantic atmosphere that the transition has created.

“What we’re doing now is not online classes,” said Campbell. “What we’re doing now is we’re putting material online and making adjustments. When you design an online course…the structure is completely different so [this] is our best attempt at something sort of like [online classes].”

Campbell was not aware of the online petition until her phone interview with The Rider News.

Associate Professor Michael Brogan, who previously served as Rider’s chapter of AAUP president, also voiced support for the measure.

“As proposed, this new academic policy should help students manage multiple personal and academic commitments in this uncertain time.,” said Brogan. “Though it’s unclear how this policy change impacts student learning and academic outcomes, I do think it’s the right thing to do at this moment.”

Community Assistant compensation has stopped as a result of university housing closure

By Tatyanna Carman

Changes implemented by the university as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have led to the stop of compensation for Community Assistants (CA) on campus, according to an email Residence Life sent to its student employees on March 18.

Associate Vice President for University Marketing and Communications Kristine Brown provided an explanation for the decision to stop compensation for CAs.

“On March 17, the University made a decision to extend the remote and alternative instruction period throughout the spring semester, including exams, and a subsequent decision to close the residence halls,” said Brown. “Given that all of the duties associated with the role of Community Assistants focus around supporting individual students and developing community within the residence halls, it became apparent that the work of CAs could not be continued this semester. This was communicated by Residence Life the following day.”

In the midst of the university’s decision, an online petition was created that urged the school to continue to compensate CAs, which has garnered over 340 signatures on the website Change.org.

“There was a petition started over the weekend. I was not a part of that,” said junior communication studies major and CA of Ziegler Hall Giavanna Troilo. “I actually heard about it from one of my staff members. The petition was to be sent around for the CAs to be compensated for the rest of the year to receive the rest of our stipend.”

She brought up the details of the contract for CAs and questioned why they were not being paid for the rest of the semester and stressed a need for explanation.

“Our contracts obviously do not account for what’s due during a global pandemic. That was obviously [a] very unforeseen event. However, we are within our right, according to our contract, to be compensated for a full year and as far as I understand it, the section for termination in our contract does not cover this. I do not think we were terminated. Our job just ceased to exist because of this event. It was not covered in our contract and because [of that], I think it is something that is worth providing a further explanation for.”

Junior musical theater major and Student Government Association (SGA) Executive Vice President Dylan Erdelyi said that SGA has been communicating with university administrators about this situation.

“Based on the contract that the CAs signed, we believe that there were several indications that the CAs deserved the rest of their annual stipend,” Erdelyi said. “After much discussion, the administration holds firm that based on the New Jersey governor’s orders to discontinue residential life on campus, the CAs are not able to fulfill the terms of their agreement and therefore will not be compensated for the rest of their stipend.”

Erdelyi, who is running for student body president, shared concern for any students who find themselves in a vulnerable situation and ensured that the SGA is doing everything it can to see that all students are taken care of during the crisis. Erdelyi also said that while they disagree with the administration’s response, SGA is “at an impasse,” and “it is up to the CAs as to if and how they want to proceed.”

Troilo quoted from the 2019-2020 Residence Life Manual that dictated new CAs receive a fixed annual stipend of $4,966 as compensation, equivalent to 25.5 hours every two weeks at $10.30 per hour. She also explained that the stipend is distributed bi-weekly for their work. Troilo said that the March 18 email from Associate Dean for Residence Life Roberta Butler explained that CAs would be receiving their last payment of the semester on Apr. 10.

Sophomore health science major and CA for the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority house Brianne Lipford said that the CAs were told at an informal meeting with the community directors on March 13, prior to the university closure, that Residence Life was unsure if CAs were going to get paid for the duration of the extended spring break period. If they wanted to increase their chances of getting paid, they recommended going back to school early to work the week of the extended spring break.

Lipford also shared that there has been a sense of lacking support for the CA staff members.

“This has been an ongoing feeling by a lot of CA staff members because the lack of benefits we get when compared to our bosses, Community Directors, who receive free room and board and stipends even though we do most of the work, as well as comparing our roles to those at other schools receiving benefits like free room and board. These ongoing issues, as well as this stipend issue, shows the lack of care and support.”

Vice President for Student Affairs Leanna Fenneberg provided a statement in response to benefits and the compensation package for CAs.

“We have reviewed the market regarding compensation for residence life paraprofessional programs at other institutions to continue to evaluate the competitiveness of our funding levels,” Fenneberg said. “This process led us to a significant change in the CA compensation package this academic year, when CAs moved from receiving a discount of 25% of their room charges to a 50% discount this year. We are always looking for ways to offer competitive wages for work performed, and this year’s change is a testament to that commitment.”

Troilo also expressed that CAs have been working the past three weeks before spring break and during this time of crisis. She said between conducting individual check-ins and decorating the residence halls. CAs have also been checking up on their residents during “this horrific time,” who also had concerns about their residence hall situation.

“We have been trying to reassure them that everything is going to be figured out, so those are also hours we’ve been putting in,” said Troilo. “I’m just unclear as to why we would be cut off for our compensation when we have really been putting in some of those hours throughout the whole school year.”

Senior dance major and CA in Steven R. Beckett Village Rose Conroy-Voza expressed her frustration with the discontinuation of compensation.

“The stoppage of payment is absolutely unfair. Rider University still expects me to pay my payment plan bill, but how can I do that if I am not being paid? As well as being a CA, I am also an Office Assistant, in which payments have also stopped and an off-campus dance teacher which is now closed,” Conroy-Voza said. “Within a week, I went from having three jobs to being unemployed. However, being a CA, I was under a specific contract that employed me until May and this unexpected virus should not stop me from the money I have earned and that I need to continue school in the first place.”

Troilo also shared how this situation has put a strain on her financial situation as well as her concern of paying her bills.

Fenneberg said in the statement as a response to the criticism on the compensation decision that the implications of the COVID-19 response are significant, which includes all aspects of university finances and university leadership had to carefully weigh out factors for the decisions related to “university operations, and decisions related to full-time, part-time and student staff.”

“We were not in a place to continue to pay for work that could no longer be performed given the circumstances which prevented us from continuing our residence hall operations this year,” she said. “I am deeply saddened by the impact this has on CAs and other students whose work does not translate to remote delivery. CAs play such an essential leadership role on our campus and on the student experience.”

Brown also said that she was aware that several CAs are advocating for the continuation of pay and expressed her understanding of concern of the discontinuation of wages.

“We hope they understand that this university decision is not a reflection on their value and contributions to Rider University and that the conditions precipitating this decision were beyond the University’s control,” said Brown.

When asked what will happen to the rest of the stipend for CAs, Brown said that the university is incurring immeasurable expenses associated with the response to COVID-19 and, “any savings recovered will be used to offset these expenses to assure the ability to continue to offer a quality Rider University education moving forward.”

Erdelyi shared his thoughts on how the Rider community is impacted by this difficult situation and suggestions on how the community should move forward.

“I think that everyone is in a bind for money right now – students and institutions alike. Everyone is in a difficult situation. Students, especially those that may have financial insecurity or unstable home situations, are most at risk. We need to be actively reaching out and supporting each other as a community,” Erdelyi said.

Broncs abroad and those who remain on campus face the same issue: waiting it out away from home

By Hailey Hensley

Amidst a semester full of changes, some Broncs’ plans have stayed the same despite Rider’s decision to discontinue in-person instruction on both the Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses through the end of the spring semester.

The university’s announcement stated that some students would be eligible for “limited exceptions,” due largely to those students lacking a stable primary residence outside of university housing. These exceptions would allow them to remain in the residence halls through the end of the spring semester.

Senior technical theater major Miranda Kelley is one of the students remaining on campus for the duration of the spring semester and shared her experience of living on a mostly-empty campus with The Rider News.

“It’s a bit surreal [being on campus]. There are still people around but it’s strange to have classes online and walk around a deserted campus in between,” Kelley said.

Rider University @RiderUniversity

Residence Life offers students updated information about moving out of residence halls, based on the latest federal and state guidance https://www.rider.edu/news/2020/03/22/letter-residence-life- about-updated-residence-hall-guidance …

Letter from Residence Life about updated residence hall guidance |

Dear Students, We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as Rider University’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve in response to federal and state guidance. The …rider.edu

10:57 AM - Mar 22, 2020

During this time, students who remain on campus are provided with meals by the university, which are distributed in a way that meets social distancing standards. On-campus students may visit the Mercer Room in Daly Dining Hall at any time during the provided dining hours to pick up all three meals for the day. This service is provided seven days a week between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Along with the students who remain on campus, there are other students who are much further away from Lawrenceville.

A slew of Rider students elected to study abroad for the spring 2020 semester. One student being sophomore marine science major Stephanie Jessiman.

Jessiman is currently studying abroad in Queensland, Australia, at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Jessiman said that regardless of the global pandemic, she felt she was in a good place to be during these uncertain times.

“It’s not as scary over here as one would think. I’ve been hearing so much about what’s going on around the rest of the planet, and I got so lucky to go to such a wonderful place with incredible healthcare that just has not been affected as much as the rest of the world,” Jessiman said.

Jessiman explained that she felt Rider was being very thorough in its communications and that it helped to put her mind at ease.

“The university contacted me within the first 2-3 weeks I was here in Australia, and Sara [Young-Singh] the Director of the CIE [Center for International Education] made me feel a lot calmer about the situation than I did before,” she said. “She [Young-Singh] stated that the CIE and her especially are monitoring what is going on around the countries that students have been abroad in, and would call us home if it became too extreme to stay where we were.”

Jessiman closed her interview by expressing sympathy for students who had study-abroad trips that were greatly shortened, canceled or otherwise unenjoyable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve heard a lot of my friends who went to Europe or Asia for their abroad experience and they have been called home at this point. My heart goes out to them wholeheartedly because, for me, I couldn’t imagine leaving such an incredible once in a lifetime experience,” Jessiman said.

Jessiman made it clear that while her time in Australia had been amazing, she wanted to experience it outside of a time of global panic.

“I plan to do another semester here to account for all these lost experiences,” she said. “I will most likely be back around December, and by then, this whole pandemic should be just a memory.” Opinion

Journalism and the web: More important than ever

Letter to the Editor:

There is no doubt that the internet has had a dramatic effect on journalism, specifically in newspapers and print publications. Right now, though, technology is definitely something to be thankful for, in regard to journalism.

Most students at Rider University know that The Rider News is only publishing online, at least for the rest of this semester, as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As an alumnus and a former Rider News editor, that is also of interest to me. But it is not only college newspapers making decisions about how to continue their work; the news industry, in general, has been adjusting as this situation continues to evolve.

Given that reporting and editing newspaper content involve face-to-face interaction and collaboration, how do journalists effectively continue the important work of keeping readers informed about an unprecedented public health crisis, while also protecting themselves and others from the spread of the virus?

The internet is becoming a big answer to that question.

As I write this article, employees of the company where I work have now spent two weeks working from home. With thanks to electricity and internet access, we are able to continue producing newspapers each day, just as if we were still in the office. Today’s technology allows collaboration to continue even as everyone is adhering to the stay-at-home mandates issued by state leaders.

The internet allows us – working “separately yet together” – to continue editing stories, writing headlines, designing pages and ensuring that each paper gets to its respective pressroom on time for printing and delivery to communities in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Additionally, certain programs enable direct communication between both individuals and working teams of editors in different locations. Besides email, we also make frequent use of instant messaging.

I work with editors based in central Pennsylvania. I have never actually met them in person, as their office is a couple of hours away from mine. But each day, we make an ongoing, long- distance collaborative effort by means of the internet, as stories are selected for publication, questions are raised during the editing process, facts are checked, placement of stories and selection of photos are discussed, and ultimately a new newspaper is produced. This was our regular routine even before the current crisis.

In addition to working with the Pennsylvania editors, I am also able to see the latest developments being monitored by the team of editors who produce our nation and world pages – for example, the recent news that the United States has surpassed China and Italy as the nation with the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world. Often, these developments affect the decisions we are making about content that is more local or regional. For instance, if we are running infographics with the latest numbers of confirmed cases and deaths, that information needs to be updated throughout the day.

Technology lets us safely and effectively communicate during this unprecedented crisis. That is especially important because many people rely on newspapers to receive up-to-date, accurate information. Newspapers are also shifting gears in order to better serve their communities as the pandemic continues. Here are a few examples:

You may see fewer pages in the sports section of your local paper – after all, there are no sporting events going on right now. Weekend event listings have also been put on hold. Instead, papers are dedicating additional daily pages to important news relating to the pandemic. Special content might include pages for children and parents who are now required to transition to homeschooling.

Numerous organizations are offering free access to their digital newspapers – essentially a replica of what you would see in print, but accessible by means of your PC, tablet or smartphone – in order to ensure that important information is easily and widely accessible.

In the Garden State, NJ.com announced the formation of a Community News and Resource Desk, staffed by reporters and editors throughout the week to help readers obtain important information about whether certain places are open or closed, how to get tested for the virus, and ways to meet other important needs that arise, for instance. NJ.com is also offering a free Coronavirus in New Jersey newsletter.

Yes, the internet has changed things for print – but it is also allowing journalists, aided by computers and phones, to continue reporting the news happening outside their homes in the midst of an ongoing crisis that requires them to stay inside. As this pandemic continues, that work will be more important than ever.

Ron Panarotti, a Rider graduate, is an editor and product manager for Advance Local. He was the executive editor of The Rider News from 1991-1993 and recently completed Rider’s Master of Arts in Business Communication program.

Features and Entertainment

DC and Marvel capturing the humanity in the unnatural

For almost a whole millennium, superheroes have continued to impact society. In the 1940s, comics became a great pastime that gave hope to soldiers and hard-working citizens during the war effort. Comics started to range from not only the superhero genre but also horror, mystery, sci-fi and romance in the ‘50s. Then reaching the 2000s people began to see their favorite comic book characters on the silver screen.

“I feel like Marvel is more about the powers or unique abilities they receive as a gift and how their life changes for the better because of their new powers,” Mitose McHugh, a freshman geology major, said, “I see DC as more of the main character having life-changing moments happen to them, that main characters necessarily do not want, and they have to learn to cope or make do with what happens to them because of that certain moment.”

Marvel’s most well-known superhero group is The Avengers, who carried the first place box office spot away from Avatar. Marvel also created another group favorite, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

“I really enjoy the movie because it never fails to make me laugh and the heartwarming family themes,” Mitose said.

Until recently, Marvel has continued to be the preferred favorite of superhero movies. DC, however, struggled in the live-action movie department.

“But recently, DC’s been slowly releasing more movies, and I am excited to learn more about the DCU. I feel like Marvel has greatly benefited from its movies, I do not read their comics, but you can see the well of potential heroes from its variety of movies,” Mitose said.

DC was able to make a comeback from the “Justice League” and “Suicide Squad” with the release of solo movies such as “Wonder Woman” and “Shazam.” These two god-like heroes were able to bring a happier and more relatable approach for the DC universe.

“Birds of Prey” was one of the few anticipated movies of the year for DC. The movie follows a group of women who go through the daily challenges that the mythical city Gotham has to offer. Dinah Lance, also known as Black Canary, is forced to work for a crime boss by the name of Roman Sionis (alias of Black Mask). The movie’s anti-hero Harley Quinn has gone through a recent break up with Joker and announced it to all of Gotham, putting a target on her back. In the process of everyone wanting her dead or incarcerated, she meets a pickpocketer by the name of Cassandra Cain. All the while, Helena Bortenelli, who creates the hero Huntress, is on the hunt for revenge. With such a powerful plotline and incredible battle scenes, the movie ended up flopping at the box office.

DC has had a history of movies that sold short, although “Shazam!” and “Wonder Woman” did wonders for DCs box office statistics. The negatives seemingly outweigh the positives.

I felt a special connection with this movie. I was always one to stay in my shell and go by social norms, but being introduced to the universe of “Birds of Prey,” something changed in me. After seeing the movie I felt a huge confidence boost. Many had thought that the movie would be a chick flick where they shoved feminism down your throat. In reality, it was a movie that provided good laughs and edge-of-your-seat action.

“I have seen “Birds of Prey”, I enjoyed it. It was really cool to see Margot Robbie killing it as Harley Quinn and the action scenes were really enjoyable to watch. I definitely plan on rewatching it over break,” Mitose said.

DC continues to roll out female lead and directed films with their upcoming “Wonder Woman: 1984.” Marvel is not too far behind with “Black Widow.”

Sue Kroll, who is a long-time marketing chief executive for Warner Bros, stated in an interview with Variety, “It’s reflective of Hollywood’s glacial move toward progress,” Kroll said. “Women are part of every conversation now.”

“But at the end of the day,” she adds, “it’s a really fun, badass group of women getting together. It’s a ride. It’s a crazy ride.” freshman English major Cassandra Stathis Features and Entertainment

Curtains for mainstage productions, but cast bond goes on

By Jason Mount

The remainder of Rider’s School of Fine and Performing Arts (SFPA) mainstage productions have been canceled with the university’s decision to move to remote learning, leaving students in the program with a mix of emotions about the cancellations and the future of distance education.

The precautions taken to avoid the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in the cancellation of the remaining two performances, “Girls Like That” and “Steel Pier.” Junior acting major Victoria Robles remembered the feeling she and the cast had when Rider first announced its extended spring break.

“There were a lot of mixed feelings,” Robles said. “We had loads of questions that our directors and managers could not answer. Although it was a block in our road, we as a cast were all on the same page when it came to staying on the lighter side of the subject. We tried to be as positive as humanly possible and go to the remainder of our rehearsals.”

Junior technical theater major April Hahn had been preparing for “Girls Like That” since November and was upset to hear that the work of the cast and crew was canceled.

“We had completed costume fittings and were just about to go into tech when the show was canceled. I’m really sad to see it go. The cast and crew had put so much time and love into this show. It would’ve been really great,” Hahn said.

When the announcement was made that Rider would switch to remote learning, Robles remembered thinking it was “heartbreaking.”

“A lot of us were really sad about it, and I couldn’t even imagine what the seniors that were involved were feeling,” Robles said. “It really sucks, especially when you put so much hard work and effort into rehearsals just for no one to see the final product.”

“Girls Like That” was originally intended to run the weekend students came back from the extended spring break. However, with the looming fear that people might not return to Rider, the team behind the show invited faculty members to see the production and what was accomplished thus far.

“It eased the feeling of it never going to be seen by anyone. Although we didn’t get to do the performance, the show itself taught us so many lessons and our cast formed a bond that couldn’t be broken,” Robles said.

The team behind the final mainstage production of the season, “Steel Pier,” also felt sorrow after hearing the announcement.

The cast of “Steel Pier” rehearsed as much as they could before learning the semester would be moved online, canceling their show.

Junior technical theater major Makenzi Kalsch was the production stage manager for “Steel Pier,” and had been working the show since October. She said that the cast had been trying to get as much work done as they could before it left for break.

“We had a cast meeting in December and then rehearsal for three weeks before spring break,” Kalsch said. “We just tried to block and choreograph as much as we could to try and compensate for that lost week during spring break. We knew it would be hard, but not impossible. We nearly got through all of Act I.”

The cast of “Steel Pier” was prepared to learn that its show would be canceled.

“We had kind of anticipated the move to happen, although we didn’t want it to because it meant our show was canceled,” Kalsch said. “On what became our last night of rehearsal, we all spoke about what we had learned from the production and what we loved about it. Although we’re all very upset that our show was canceled, we understand that these measures needed to be taken. We are all very proud of this show we had put together so far and the bond we had as a group.”

With the mainstage productions canceled, the casts of “Girls Like That” and “Steel Pier” continue their bond through the uncertainties of quarantine and remote learning.

Senior accounting major Christina Czuczuk poses with her fellow senior roommates on their last first day of school. At the beginning of the year, no seniors could have predicted that their final semester was to going to end with a global pandemic. Pictured from left to right: Brianna Walsh, Norhan Adbel-Gleil, Christina Czuczuk, and Samantha Gambino.

A semester cut short: Seniors speak on how they are affected by COVID-19

By Christian McCarville

Senior accounting major Christina Czuczuk poses with her fellow senior roommates on their last first day of school. At the beginning of the year, no seniors could have predicted that their final semester was to going to end with a global pandemic. Pictured from left to right: Brianna Walsh, Norhan Adbel-Gleil, Christina Czuczuk, and Samantha Gambino.

When news first broke about the emerging and highly contagious virus classified as COVID-19, many were alarmed. However, not many predicted the rapid rate at which the virus would personally impact people all over the world. Due to the ease with which it is transmitted from person to person, the virus has forced many of us to adapt and change many aspects of our lives.

The world of education was heavily impacted, as it was considered a high risk for students to attend classes and interact with other students. Classes were expected to be taught remotely and professors sought online alternatives to avoid the person-to-person interactions that could potentially promote the spread of COVID- 19. This was devastating news for many college seniors who were completing the semester and enjoying their final moments as students.

Although it is a small price to pay for safety, seniors at Rider have lost a lot. They have missed out on many opportunities, both socially and academically. Senior digital marketing major Rose Eddy commented on how COVID-19 has affected her relationships with friends and organizations on campus.

“I am blessed to have incredibly close relationships with my two Greek chapters on campus, Theta Chi and Zeta Tau Alpha. Due to this unfortunate situation, I lost a lot of late nights and fun memories with precious friends during my last year of college,” said Eddy.

Senior class president and political science major Charles Palmer explained the emotions he felt upon first hearing the heartbreaking news.

“Four emotions surfaced through my head when I found out I would have to finish my senior year online,” said Palmer. “Fear, sadness, nervousness and shock. I cite these four emotions because I would have never guessed that the four years I have spent at Rider would end like this.”

Many other seniors shared the emotions that Palmer described. It is difficult to cope with the fact that seniors will not experience the proper finale they had expected coming into the semester.

“When the announcement came out regarding the remainder of the semester, my heart sank,” said senior elementary education major Michael DeLorenzo. “There were so many events during my final semester at Rider which I was looking forward to, such as Rider Rock Fest, [Eggcellent] Egg Hunt and Senior Week. The spring semester is always an exciting time on campus as the campus becomes alive after a long winter.”

Rider University @RiderUniversity

Update March 17: The University is extending remote instruction through the end of the spring semester, including exams. Residence halls will close with limited exceptions. Commencement ceremonies have been postponed.

Full details here: https://bit.ly/3a1je11

Update on University operations | Rider University Dear Rider Community, We are writing to share new information in light of recent guidance announced by President Donald Trump, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Secretary of Higher….rider.edu

3:52 PM - Mar 17, 2020

While learning can go remote, the many pre-planned campus events cannot be replaced by any means of the internet. The majority of these events had no choice but to be canceled, including Senior Week which is an annual series of events planned for seniors to celebrate their last days at Rider.

“As the president of the class of 2020, the main project that I have been working on since the fall of 2019 has been Senior Week,” said Palmer. “Countless meetings, preparation and time were put into place to make sure it would be an unforgettable week. To get all of that taken away from you in a blink-of-an-eye hurt, but is also understandable.”

Senior Week’s cancellation deprived many students of their final moments as undergraduates. However, Palmer and the cabinet for the class of 2020 are ready to act if an opportunity to hold the events at a later time arises.

“Currently, we are working on maybe postponing Senior Week. However, that is dependent upon how long COVID-19 lasts. The class of 2020 has faced challenges before, however, myself alongside my cabinet are working to make sure we can still incorporate the end of the year events at a later date,” said Palmer.

Additionally, commencement is currently postponed and further details are contingent on the status of COVID-19 toward the end of the semester.

Remote instruction poses another obstacle to seniors, as some aspects of classes cannot be replicated online. This includes labs, fieldwork and internships that may be required for some seniors’ plans following college.

“As a business major, I am lucky enough for many of my courses to be able to be efficiently held online, but I am very worried about other students, such as those studying science-related subjects and musical theater. With that said, I have found that many of my classes are much more difficult to complete online with a heavier workload through remote instruction,” said senior accounting major Christina Czuczuk.

Remote learning is not ideal for most students, especially seniors taking essential courses. However, it is evident that seniors largely agree with the decision and understand the complications that make this method of learning necessary.

“I absolutely agree with the decision to go remote,” said Eddy. “Even if COVID-19 doesn’t affect your life directly, keeping the university open and thereby forcing others to come to campus and/or class to continue their education puts a lot of people at risk, especially those with older members living in their household.”

During this strange time of unprecedented cancellations due to the dangers of COVID-19, it is best for all students to remain positive in order to overcome these new challenges. Creativity and the use of online alternatives will assist these seniors in making the best of the unfortunate situation.

“As we reflect on our time here at Rider, there is one thing that is evident. There is a sense of community and belonging,” said Palmer. “That is exactly what I believe will help seniors to get the most out of their last semester here at Rider. COVID-19 has presented a unique challenge for the class of 2020, however, it will just require us to be innovative and think outside of the box.” Sports

Men's soccer redshirt junior forward Pablo DeCastro (far right) is from Madrid which is one of the hardest hit cities in the world. Photo courtesy of Pablo DeCastro Thousands of miles from Rider, Spanish student-athletes face virus’ harsh realities

By Shaun Chornobroff

When senior midfielder Valeria Pascuet arrived at the El Prat Airport in Barcelona on March 16, she was greeted by a surprising sight.

The airport was empty.

“It was kind of scary seeing nobody there,” Pascuet said. “I felt like I was in some kind of Sci-Fi movie.”

The reason for the empty airport is obvious, the coronavirus has shut down most of life as we know it.

Pascuet is from Spain and lives in a town called Bunuel in the province of Navarra, which has felt the impacts of the virus.

Spain is one of the most affected nations in the world and it does not seem to be getting better. Between March 28 and 29, Spain recorded 838 deaths due to the virus, its largest daily increase in fatalities. The country’s death toll was at 6,528, according to CNBC.

The Spectator Index @spectatorindex

Most coronavirus cases.

US: 124,697 Italy: 92,472 China: 81,439 Spain: 78,797 Germany: 58,137 France: 37,611 Iran: 35,408 UK: 17,136 Switzerland: 14,352 Belgium: 10,836 Netherlands: 9,819 S Korea: 9,583 Austria: 8,291 Turkey: 7,402 Canada: 5,607 Portugal: 5,170 Norway: 4,048

6,971 6:30 AM - Mar 29, 2020

Navarra is one of Spain’s most affected provinces. Luckily, Pascuet has not been directly affected by the virus but says the restrictions and fear of COVID-19 made an immense impact on her life.

“There are a lot of police controls to ensure that everyone stays home and if you go out without really having to you can get fined,” Pascuet explained. She says she only leaves her house to take her dog for a walk, but that is quick, only lasting a few minutes and she doesn’t go more than 100 feet from her home.

Pascuet has felt the pain of the virus the most when it comes to her extended family, who she has barely been able to see much since returning home.

“It’s hard especially when you want to share a moment with them, but you can’t,” Pascuet said of not being able to see her family. “I had to spend my birthday in the air, without my family. It should have been a day to celebrate with them.”

Pascuet’s family is very close. She has gone from seeing her aunts, uncles and grandparents every day to not seeing them at all. She especially misses her grandmother.

“My grandmother and I are very close. Over summer and winter breaks, I always go to her house to eat,” Pascuet said of her relationship with her grandmother, but she has only seen her once since coming home. Even then it was different than usual.

“I had to maximize precautions when visiting my grandmother… since I traveled I didn’t know if I had it (COVID-19) or not,” Pascuet said. “I visited her with a mask and gloves, and now I FaceTime her whenever I can.”

It’s a far cry from the relationship Pascuet is used to with her family, but a reality Pascuet and many others around the world are forced to deal with.

Almost 300 miles away from Pascuet is the city of Valencia, the home of women’s soccer junior goalkeeper Carmen Carbonell.

Luckily, Valencia has not been destroyed by COVID-19 like other regions of Spain. According to Statista, the region of Valencia had 3,532 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of March 27.

Like Pascuet, Carbonell has not been personally affected by the virus. However, her daily life has changed.

“My dad doesn’t go to work anymore, and my mom still works, but that’s because her business is related to catering,” Carbonell said. “They have reduced the employees but there are some key employees and the owners, such as my aunt and my mom, that are still working.”

Carbonell’s three siblings are now doing online schooling and they only leave the house for necessities, such as groceries or medicine.

Carbonell shared some of her daily routine.

“I wake up in the morning and I go to the balcony while I have breakfast. I watch the news for an hour and turn them off for the rest of the day, get dressed because that helps me psychologically to start my day,” Carbonell said. “I do some artistic activities, cook lunch, take a nap, do some exercise, prepare dinner, watch a movie and go to sleep.”

Carbonell and Pascuet have been living different realities than what they are used to, but nobody has seen the damage of COVID-19 quite like men’s soccer forward Pablo Decastro.

The redshirt junior is from Madrid, which can be described as the epicenter of the virus in Spain.

Madrid had 19,243 cases as of March 27, according to Statista. DeCastro says the city has more than 22,000 confirmed cases and more than 3,000 deaths as of March 29.

Alfons López Tena ✔ @alfonslopeztena Coronavirus in Spain •More people are dying in Madrid each day than they did in Wuhan during the worst of China's outbreak •Deaths are doubling every 3 days compared to every 5 in Italy •So many victims in Madrid that an ice skating rink is now a morguehttps://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/a-massive- disaster-is-unfolding-in-spain-20200324-p54d7c.html …

A massive disaster is unfolding in Spain Spain is rapidly becoming the new epicentre of the global coronavirus crisis, with the country's death toll soaring to overtake China. smh.com.au

7:57 PM - Mar 26, 2020

Unfortunately, DeCastro knows people who have been affected by COVID-19 and have passed away as a result. Despite this, DeCastro is not worried about himself.

“Personally I am more scared for my family than myself,” DeCastro said. These are sentiments both Pascuet and Carbonell echoed.

“I’m not necessarily scared of getting infected, but more concerned about the wellbeing of my grandparents because they are in that age range that the virus can be lethal,” Pascuet said.

“I’m not scared of the virus itself, of getting ill because I think I will be able to overcome the illness, I’m more scared of infecting my parents that take care of my grandparents so often, and that will actually cause an impact,” Carbonell said.

Despite all that is going on around him, DeCastro tries to keep himself in a routine but admits even that is hard.

“It is difficult because although I try to think about my things and do my routine, as usual, it is inevitable to listen to the news on television and think about all the affected people and wishing that no member of my family is affected,” DeCastro said.

While facing unprecedented circumstances, DeCastro has found comfort in his teammates.

“We talk almost every day to know how the situation is going on in each of our areas and to give messages of encouragement,” DeCastro said of his team’s communication. “Whenever we speak, we give each other strength to face the situation and we know that there are people who are interested in us.”

Carbonell feels similarly about her teammates and coach.

“It’s very important since they understand my situation, I have been talking with them and they are sending me home workouts and stuff to do during this quarantine,” Carbonell said of her team’s support.

Pascuet, DeCastro and Carbonell have played a combined 176 games in a Rider uniform and it is safe to say that COVID-19 is an opponent unlike any that they have faced before.

The MAAC canceled its spring season at its postseason basketball tournament in Atlantic City, New Jersey on March 12. Photo by Dylan Manfre/The Rider News

Student-athletes adjust to life without sports

By Dylan Manfre

The cancellation of spring sports and winter championships felt like the sting of a Band-Aid being ripped off without warning.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) silenced the sports world seemingly out of nowhere and has shown little give in the grip it has on the nation.

It has resorted student-athletes to training in bedrooms or working out in basements instead of their shoes squeaking on a court or pants getting tarnished from the infield dirt.

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announced the cancellation of its postseason basketball tournament and spring season at 2:30 p.m. in a press conference on March 12. Commissioner Rich Ensor welled up and made the painful statement to the media at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“It hurts,” Ensor said at the tournament. “I regret having to do this and I share [the players’] pain.”

Dylan Manfre @Dylan Manfre11

From earlier: MAAC Commishioner Rich Ensor announcing the tournament and season has been canceled.#maACHoops20

8:24 PM - Mar 12 2020

Breaking the news

On March 11, the women’s basketball team defeated Niagara and was awaiting the winner of Quinnipiac and Manhattan to see who its semifinal opponent would be.

Senior guard Stella Johnson said the team planned to go watch the game in person — they would be allowed in since players were considered essential personnel — but she saw a tweet that said the two teams had not warmed up yet. That is when the suspicions set in.

“We were all eating lunch together in [Head Coach Lynn Milligan’s] room and it just got silent,” Johnson said. “We just felt it. We saw it on coach’s face and I think everyone’s energy just went downhill after that. It’s kind of like all the happiness got sucked out of the room.”

In Johnson’s freshman year, Rider advanced to the championship and lost to Quinnipiac. This year, she believed her team could have made the finals and won had the coronavirus not taken over.

Th MAAC ff ll d d R d ’ d S’ ’ b k tb ll t th h h p trophy

Dylan Manfre @Dylan Manfre11

MAAC formally announces Siena MBB and Rider WBB as its tournament champions and automatic qualifier. Unfortunately, we all know the rest...

10:10 AM - Mar 24, 2020

Johnson, who was the nation’s scoring leader at 24.8 points per game, feels the team has unfinished business — and rightfully so — as Rider finished with the best record in program history at 24-4 overall, 18-2 in conference play.

“At least my freshman year we ended in the championship, even though we lost,” she said. “Now we don’t know what could have been.”

The baseball team never unpacked its bags from the bus after it traveled 714 miles to Charleston, South Carolina, for the inevitably canceled series against Citadel.

“We arrived at the hotel 15 minutes prior to the call,” freshman infielder Luke Lesch said. “We just stayed the night and went out to dinner around Charleston.”

The team slept at the hotel and boarded the bus back to Rider at 5 a.m. on March 13.

Sophomore mid-distance runner Luis Rodriguez battled through multiple injuries during the indoor season but competed in seven meets. He had his focus pointed toward the spring season. He wanted it to be his “break-out year,” but instead “a really bad nightmare,” had begun.

Rodriguez attended a team meeting, which was the last for the foreseeable future they would be together as a group. The team did its “All heart; No quit!” chant three times as they huddled in a circle.

“That is a day and time I’ll never forget,” he said.

Adjusting to life without sports

Rodriguez said he is in the gym around five days a week. Working out and being a part of the track team consumes most of his time. Without a season to run, a void has been created in his life.

“With all the gyms closing, I really have to do body workouts in my house,” Rodriguez said.

Lesch no longer has the luxury of working out in the Anderson Family Strength and Conditioning Center in the Canastra Health and Sports Center — the athletes’ gym. Instead, he has resorted to other methods to stay active.

“I’ve been doing at-home workouts,” Lesch said. “I’ve been doing a lot of yoga and I’m doing infield drills and hitting off the tee just to keep my fundamentals up.”

Lesch played 14 games, 12 of which he started, in his freshman campaign before the coronavirus pandemic pulled sports to a halt. He posted respectable numbers, batting .289 with a .347 on-base percentage. and just started getting his feet wet.

He was named MAAC Rookie of the Week on March 3 and posted a .357 batting average over the four-game stretch.

Silver Lining?

Canceling the entire spring season is an unprecedented measure nobody saw coming, nor were they able to prepare for.

There is an old saying in sports that reads: “Treat every [game, match, race, etc.] like it’s your last.” Given the circumstances and recent experiences, Lesch said that phrase is something he will often think about. Lesch was stunned when he first found out the men’s basketball team was never able to take the floor for its quarterfinal round game. Rider was slated to play Niagara at 7 p.m. on March 12 and Ensor made the announcement five hours earlier.

“Everyone knows now to play the game like it’s your last one,” Lesch said. “That should be your mentality every game but now everyone knows that it could be a possibility, I guess we’re going to have to [believe it].”

The NCAA announced “eligibility relief is appropriate for all Division I student-athletes” for spring sports but said details would be “finalized at a later time.”

Athletes like Rodriguez and Lesch both said they would take advantage of the opportunity.

All anybody can do now is hope this pandemic passes soon and sports can resume as normal.

Follow @Dylan Manfre on Twitter for the latest on Rider athletics.

Christian Ings will be the lone starter to return to the men's basketball team in 2020-21 after starting 18 games this season. Photo by Gerard Blandina/The Rider News

Graduation and transfers force Broncs to look toward the future

By Austin Ferguson

It was not clear when the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament was canceled on March 12, but an end of an era was upon the Rider’s men’s basketball team.

The premature end to the MAAC tournament spelled the end of the college basketball careers for Stevie Jordan, Tyere Marshall, Kimar Williams and Willy Nuñez, Jr., the first two of which scored 1000 points in their respective careers.

The second wave of losses arrived on March 27 when redshirt junior forwards Dimencio Vaughn and Frederick Scott announced that they were entering the transfer portal.

“My family and I are extremely grateful for three incredible years at Rider,” Scott posted on Twitter, announcing his decision. “I’ve made some great memories. I’m excited and ready for the next chapter.”

Vaughn followed suit in giving thanks for his tenure with the Broncs through social media.

“Both my family and I want to thank Rider University and the coaching staff for the opportunity they have given me the past three years. With that being said, I have decided to enter the portal. Excited to see what the future holds,” Vaughn posted on Twitter along with his notification of entering the transfer portal.

Scott and Vaughn both joined Marshall and Jordan in scoring 1000 points in their collegiate careers before entering the portal as graduate transfers. Vaughn was named to the All-MAAC First Team twice in his Rider career, while Scott earned All-MAAC Third Team honors in every season he played with the Broncs and won MAAC Sixth Player of the Year for the 2017-18 season.

According to nj.com’s Adam Zagoria, Vaughn had received interest from top-level schools, including the University of Connecticut, Xavier, Ole Miss, Dayton, St. John’s and Georgia. On March 31, Vaughn announced that he narrowed his decision between Connecticut, Ole Miss and Georgia.

Though there has been no official word on interested schools, users on social media have thrown around rumors that Scott will also be transferring to a high-major or Power-5 school.

Compounding graduations and transfers, the Broncs are now short six players headed into next season. The only starter the Broncs will return is freshman guard Christian Ings, who started 18 games for Rider in the 2019-20 season, as Rider carries just two sophomores as their veteran players on the roster.

The Broncs, however, won’t be short for long.

As of March 31, according to verbalcommits.com, Rider has eight players verbally committed to join the Broncs next season, including six freshmen and two transfers.

The Freshmen

Corey McKeithan, Point Guard, Windsor High School (Conn.)

NE6 @NE6Hoops

Congratulations to 2020 Guard Corey McKeithan on his commitment to Rider

University! #NextUp #GoBroncs #NE6 #UAA

9:43 PM - Sep 14, 2018

The Connecticut native shows a lot of upside through his highlights. Scoring outbursts, late- game heroics and spinning layups are just the tip of the iceberg for the McDonald’s All- American nominee.

McKeithan is able to bring talent both mentally and physically when it counts most, much like the departing Jordan.

Despite the departures, Rider’s backcourt is still stacked with players. However, McKeithan should be able to work himself into the rotation with ease.

Jaelen McGlone, Shooting Guard, Cheltenham High School (Pa.)

THE MILLER REPORT @miller report

2020 @ChsHoopsFamily /Philly Pride (PA) G Jaelen McGlone

(@iamjaelen) has committed to Rider. Congrats!

8:52 PM - Aug 8, 2019

Surprisingly, McGlone is the only Philadelphia-area player in the Broncs’ recruiting class so far. Last season, Rider fielded eight players from Philadelphia and its surrounding metropolitan area.

McGlone’s Philadelphia roots show in his game, as he’s a tough slasher who can rack up both points and boards quickly.

The Cheltenham High School product’s senior campaign earned him Reporter/Times Herald Boys Basketball 2019-2020 All-Area First Team honors and his toughness should earn him success in Rider Head Coach Kevin Baggett’s system.

Brandon Williams @holdyourown 11

Good evening #CollegeCoaches @PhillyPrideAAU Combo G @iamjaelen & @ChsHoopsFamily we’re just added to @PhillyLive2019 II @ Jefferson U

Sat. 6/29

8am vs. CB West Ct. 3

Sun 6/30

12:40pm vs. Hazleton Ct. 3

4:54 PM - Jun 28, 2019 · Pennsylvania, USA

Nehemiah Benson, Small Forward, Lutheran East High School (Ohio)

Nehemiah Benson @neah benson

100% Committed !!!

9:18 PM - Oct 31, 2019

From Streetsboro, Ohio, Benson has shown that he is a problem on both sides of the floor.

On offense, Benson has the potential to become a highlight reel with his tendency to attack the rim and dunk the ball with ease. On defense, his ability to do the dirty work and show off his talents in shot-blocking will be a welcoming addition to the Broncs’ perimeter and paint defense.

Together, Benson’s success earned him a spot on the Ohio High School Sports Association’s Division II All- State First Team as he led Lutheran East High School to its fifth-straight district championship.

Nehemiah Benson @neah benson

Established my name , created something out of nothing !

10:16 AM - Mar 29, 2020

Jordan Smalls, Small Forward, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (Ga.)

Jordan Smalls @JordanAntSmalls

Thank You God For This All ...#Committed

12:21 PM - Oct 27, 2019

Coming from Jonesboro, Georgia, Smalls earned Georgia Class A Region 5 South First Team honors for his senior season at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.

Like McGlone, Smalls is quick to rack up both points and rebounds and can become a double- double machine when he is locked in.

Smalls, along with Benson, will fill much-needed holes from the departures at the forward spots, with one of them having the opportunity to start sooner rather than later.

Lawrence Foreman, Power Forward, Woodstock Academy Prep (Conn.)

Lawrence Foreman @Lawrence 24

This is only the beginning. Watch me work @WAPrepHoops @RiderMBB

7:51 PM - Oct 18, 2019

The 6-foot-9 Jamaica native went to three different high schools, the first two of which draw connections to both present and future Broncs.

Foreman spent time at St. Thomas More in Oakdale, Connecticut, where redshirt sophomore Tyrei Randall had also played. Foreman also played at Windsor High School, where incoming freshman McKeithan spent his high school career.

The forward finished his high school career at the Woodstock Academy, where he was able to show off his intelligence to couple his long frame.

After all, Foreman’s other talent besides playing basketball growing up was playing chess.

Lawrence Foreman @Lawrence 24 BLESSED Appreciate the love @JamaicaGleaner http://jamaica- gleaner.com/article/sports/20191114/checkmate-slam-dunk-former-chess-player-scores-ncaa-division-one- basketball …

Checkmate slam dunk - Former chess player scores with NCAA Division One basketball scholarship

Jamaican basketballer Lawrence Foreman has taken a monumental step in his promising career. The 18-year- old centre has committed to NCAA Division One School Rider University in New Jersey for 2020....jamaica- gleaner.com

11:05 AM - Nov 14, 2019

R.J. Weise, Point Guard, Allentown High School (N.J.)

coachjgriff @coachjgriff1

Congrats to ⁦@rj weise⁩. Well deserved!! #theforceway

3:07 PM - May 4, 2019

Weise is a home-grown product that made waves in southern New Jersey. Playing at Allentown High School, Weise may not have been the most explosive, but his intelligence on the court shows.

The Colonial Valley Conference Player of the Year averaged 18 points and 5.5 assists per game and led his team to a 21-7 record.

Weise will join the Broncs as a walk-on but certainly has the potential to break the stereotypes of a walk-on player.

https://youtu.be/uxptvswud54 Transfers

Jeremiah Pope, Shooting Guard, Brunswick Community College (N.C.)

Walter Shaw @BCCHoopsCoach

6'3 High level scorer, 1st Team All-Region selection Jeremiah Pope is heading north by committing to Coach Kevin Baggett and D-1 @RiderMBB. @JucoRecruiting @JUCOadvocate@cbMullenSports@JucoReport@VerbalCommits@BigS

hotsNation@CHC3@Phenom Hoopshttps://youtu.be/Me6Bh DuJJ0

 YouTube at @YouTube

9:12 AM - Mar 30, 2020 · North Carolina, USA

Pope transferred to Brunswick Community College from Fayetteville State University and made the most of his sophomore season, averaging 19 points per game.

Pope can score early and often, giving buckets to his defenders in every possible form. If he can stay consistent on offense, we can see highs from him similar to the scoring outputs Broncs fans saw from Jordan Allen just a few years ago.

Rodney ‘Rocket’ Henderson, Jr., Shooting Guard, California State University Northridge (CSUN) (Calif.)

R.H @rocketship505

Back to work.

9:50 PM - Mar 26, 2020

Henderson was set to play out his senior year at CSUN before suffering from an injury just three games into the 2019-20 season, putting an end to his campaign.

The Carson, California, native averaged double figures in scoring his junior year while playing most of the season off of the bench.

Henderson’s most appealing stat for Rider fans is his free throw percentage: he shot just under 79% from the charity stripe his junior year.

‘Rocket’ can score and his veteran presence as a graduate transfer could transpire similarly to how Nuñez contributed to the Broncs in 2019.

CSUN Men’s Basketball @CSUNMBB

11:30 PM - Oct 28, 2019

The Rider News 4/108/2020 digital edition

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Members of the Rider community,

The student staff of The Rider News will continue to provide ongoing coverage related to campus news, sports, features and entertainment, and opinion, through a fully digital, online publication of our weekly newspaper, through April 29.

This Week's Stories

News

Students and professors detail the challenges of remote instruction The change to remote instruction brings with it a number of obstacles, including hackers, audio and video lags and learning new conference software (By Tatyanna Carman)

SGA presidential election candidates discuss important aspects of their campaigns In an interview with The Rider News, both candidates for SGA president talked about their campaign platforms, like advocating for student interests, managing the WCC transition and supporting higher faculty pay (By Tatyanna Carman)

Westminster students face an emotional goodbye after planned final semester in Princeton is cut short Stu de n ts o pe n u p a b ou t ho w the co ron a viru s h a s a ff e cte d t he m a nd h o w th e sch o o l’s comm u n ity remains strong through the pandemic (By Stephen Neukam)

Features & Entertainment

Online R-Factor concert soothes through song and screen Rider hosted an online R-Facto r con ce rt to h elp e a se st ud e nt stress a n d sh o wcase t he un ive rsity’s musical talent (By Cassandra Stathis)

Stopping the Spread: How a Rider professor is using 3D printing to help those affected by COVID-19 Find out how Associate Professor of Physics John Bochanski is stepping up in a time of need and producing splitters that allow more than one patient to use a ventilator (By Christian McCarville)

No tours, no problem: Virtual tour helps prospective students explore Rider Rider is making it easier for prospective students to get a sense of life at the university with virtual tours and admitted student days. Tour guides say it is a viable alternative to spending a day on campus (By Jason Mount)

Sports

Rider's young core now the veterans for 2021 Sports Editor Au stin Fe rgu son t a ke s a lo o k at wha t th e men ’s ba sketb a ll roste r will loo k like n e xt ye a r after the transfer and graduation of most of its core (By Austin Ferguson)

Former Bronc finds success with the New York Red Bulls He b e ca me a sta p le in th e te am ’s sta rtin g line -up, but then he tore an ACL. The coronavirus has cut his comeback season short, but he continues to produce for the MLS giant (By Shaun Chornobroff)

Milligan’s career comes full circle with Rider W om e n ’s b a ske tba ll He a d Co a ch L ynn we nt to Ride r an d wa s rejecte d fo r th e jo b o n ce be fo re . Now, she has brought the program to new heights (By Dylan Manfre)

Opinion

Witnessing the history of humanity How people learn about the coronavirus pandemic sta rts with t he actio n s we ta ke. L et’s make su re that the history books reflect human compassion and resilience (By Dylan Manfre)

The Rider News' editorial board announced its official endorsement of Dylan Erdelyi for Student Government Association President.

We encourage you all to follow The Rider News on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for breaking news, stories, and updates. If you wish to subscribe to our digital email list, for weekly emails with links to our stories and updates, please fill out this form with your name and email address.

The staff of The Rider News wishes you all health and wellness during this unprecedented, historical time. Thank you for your continued support and readership of our publication.

Sincerely,

Stephen Neukam and Lauren Minore Executive and Managing Editor of The Rider News News

Students and professors detail the challenges of remote instruction

By Tatyanna Carman

Rider has implemented remote learning for the remainder of the semester as a response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic through an email to students and faculty on March 17.

The main platform used for remote learning is Zoom, a remote conferencing service. The university sent out a follow-up email on March 25 that contained a link to a student guide to remote access and a link to the Office of Information and Technology website for issues pertaining to access to technology.

Rider University @RiderUniversity

Moving to remote instruction may require some adjustments. Here are some resources to help you work remotely and collaborate with others: https://bit.ly/2UcR9xd

2:09 PM - Mar 26, 2020

According to Associate Professor of the Department of Communication and Journalism Nancy Wiencek, the teaching and learning center was available for faculty to learn how to use the platform. Wiencek also took a live course with Zoom to familiarize herself with the application.

Associate Professor of the Department of Communication and Journalism Nancy Wiencek

“The process is by trial and error. For example, the first time I used a breakout room, I technically knew how to enact it to get it started, but I did not know what it looked like for the students,” she said. “So I asked one of the students to say, ‘OK what does it look like on your screen.’ And they said, ‘Well you have to join the breakout room.’ And I was like, ‘Oh. OK well, then I know for next time in another class what to expect and what to do.’”

Wiencek said she used Zoom for all of her classes. She expects her students to have their camera on, be dressed, get out of bed, turn off the microphones when they are not being used and participate so they have a “sense of a normal classroom.” She also said that the experience gave her a new perspective on how to conduct online classes.

However, not all Zoom classes are conducted the same. Junior dance major Victoria Grisanzio said she was initially stressed when she found out that Rider was adopting remote learning for the rest of the semester because most of her classes were performance-based.

Victoria Grisanzio, Junior dance major “I assumed that the classes would go more paper-based and a lot of evaluations that I have to do, which is kind of annoying because it is almost like my classes are film and dance theory classes now rather than production- based classes. At the same time, I know it was a smart move by the school so it’s mixed feelings,” Grisanzio said.

She said the stress-load is higher than it was taking classes on campus because she has been doing homework “non-stop” and that by being at home, she felt as though she did not have a grasp on what she has to do.

Sophomore psychology major Jessica Kunz said a couple of her classes use Zoom to create an open conversation about the materials they are provided with, like PowerPoints. She said that she feels like she is “losing the interaction,” which makes the material more difficult and increases her procrastination for the classes that do not use Zoom. Kunz also explained how remote learning, as well as her jobs, have caused her stress.

Jessica Kunz, Sophomore psychology major

“My work is a lot more stressful because a lot is on me, I have to learn everything myself, and then do my work and submit it,” she said. “A big issue with this is I’m now trying to manage two jobs, one I work at home since I’m considered essential personnel. I try to work eight hours Monday through Friday which is difficult while also having to come home for Zoom sessions. The other job I work for as a Supplemental Instructor for the university where I have been conducting Zoom sessions myself, which is a change for me.”

Rider Professor from the Department of Sociology and Criminology Richard Zdan expressed how there is no sense of work/life balance by working from home. He said his work is more spread out and it is harder to “concentrate the work,” because students have more questions. Zdan also spoke about issues he was having with the platform.

Richard Zdan, professor from the Department of Sociology and Criminology

“The biggest problems that I have had have been one, problems with people lagging… That is a fairly disruptive thing when you are trying to do a seminar,” he said.

Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Douglas McCrea said that the problems people are having with the video teleconferencing software is not recurring and it appears in the beginning because, “people have to learn how to use the technology, and then learn how to thrive in the new environment.”

Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Douglas McCrea

The university sent out an email to the Rider community that pertained to Zoom security and issues such as password sharing and “Zoom bombing,” where hackers disrupt online classrooms and videoconferences. There are three confirmed incidents of “Zoom bombing,” and they occurred on the first week back from spring break in online classes, according to McCrea. He also said the incidents were most likely the result of password sharing since the passwords were not published publicly online.

“In the first two weeks back since the extended Spring Break, we have hosted about 3,500 Zoom meetings,” said McCrea. “I have been extremely impressed at the level of effort, adaptability, and resiliency of the faculty, staff, and students involved. The handful of incidents, while frustrating for both the faculty and students involved are extremely rare.”

McCrea said that the university is investigating and responding to any reports of misuse, which will be submitted to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and other law enforcement agencies.

Wiencek commended students for doing what they need to do to continue to take part in the semester.

“I know it is challenging for everybody, but I think if we can keep our spirits up, schoolwork provides structure whether it is online or remote, so just keep it up,” she said. “I just want everybody to stay safe and well and we will get through this in the end. We will have a new perspective on what is important to us.”

Grisanzio suggested that students try their best to stay level-headed during this time and advised students to not get too frustrated with professors since they are adjusting as well and are “compensating for an entire semester lost.”

“Remember your mental health. Even though things are changing, life is a lot scarier now and you have to be really cautious, just take care of yourself,” said Grisanzio.

SGA presidential election candidates discuss important aspects of their campaigns

SGA presidential election candidates discuss important aspects of their campaigns

By Tatyanna Carman

Junior musical theater major Dylan Erdelyi and junior political science major Matthew Schantin are the candidates running in the Student Government Association (SGA) presidential election, which will begin voting on April 8.

The Rider News hosted a Zoom interview to identify which candidate the publication wanted to endorse. Each candidate was allotted 30 minutes to answer questions on topics such as the integration of Westminster Choir College (WCC) students onto the Lawrenceville campus of the university due to the consolidation, SGA funding, dealings with the university administration, helping underrepresented students and their stance on the contract negotiations between the professor’s union and the administration.

Dylan Erdelyi, junior musical theater major Erdelyi has been a part of SGA for three years. He has held positions as a senator for the school of Fine and Performing Arts, a member of the academic affairs committee, the chair of the internal affairs committee, the vice president for university affairs and the executive vice president. He was also a tour guide and a Fine and Performing Arts mentor.

Matthew Schantin, junior political science major

Schantin is the president of the Rider College Democrats, a tour guide, an Eco-Rep, a member of the Political Science Club and a part of Model United Nations on campus. He was also the vice president of the class of 2022, which he ran for during his freshman year to serve this year.

Erdelyi said that his relationships with WCC students have helped him to understand their greatest concerns and how SGA can address them. He mentioned a piece of legislation that was passed this year that added six senate seats for WCC students and a two-year provisional committee that focuses on the transition of WCC students onto the Lawrenceville campus.

Schantin agreed with the work the administration has done when creating transition committees to push programming for WCC students and said he wanted to expand on that.

“I have kind of made it a figure point of my campaign in terms of making sure that every decision, every piece of legislation, every policy that we have all stakeholders involved,” Schantin said. “I think that would very much be a priority of mine within my administration, to make sure that WCC students are consistently put at the table with whoever the decision-makers are and make them some of the decision-makers and how we go about proceeding with various legislation and policy.”

In regard to SGA funding, Schantin said that it was a big issue on how the budget is being used and he believed SGA has, “slowly become more of a planning committee and more of what the [Student] Entertainment Council does or another organization that plans events.” He emphasized using the funding to help solve issues such as fixing the desks in the Fine Arts Center.

However, in Erdelyi’s response to the SGA budget, he made a distinction between student activities fee money and the SGA budget. He said that SGA only received three percent of the student activities fee budget to use for programming. Erdelyi also said that if SGA falls short on its budget, it is only by a couple of thousand dollars, which gets recycled into emergency funding.

“Most importantly, advocating for students costs nothing and that is the primary goal of our organization,” said Erdelyi. “We do have great potential with our budget to co-sponsor events with campus organizations or with sub-governments, but we should always be intentional about it. I think that every time we consider spending money, we should be asking, is this helping give a voice to the student body? Is this making students feel more safe and comfortable on campus?”

Erdelyi highlighted how Rider’s recent controversies have caused growth within the Rider community as well as made SGA leadership and administration collaborate closely together on issues. He said that he would have no problem speaking out against the administration if that is what is necessary.

“I recognize that SGA having a symbiotic relationship with the administration is typically beneficial to the student body,” Erdelyi said. “I cannot tell you how much we have accomplished because we have built up reciprocal trust with them and so many parties in our community. It is so much easier to get something done when the people you are convincing already believe in you.”

Schantin also spoke on SGA’s relationship with the administration and was asked about his thoughts on SGA’s consistent alignment with the administration. Schantin said that part of the reason why he ran for a position on SGA was that he felt as though “the students had no elected voice.” He emphasized the issue of transparency within the organization multiple times.

“My response to making sure that we stay separate from administrators would just be to continue doing our work,” Schantin said. “Yes there can be communication from administrators and we can be that intermediary between the student body and the administration, but we will not be a simple voice and we will consistently speak out.”

Erdelyi said one of the three components of his campaign was giving students “a seat at the table,” and stressed the importance of hearing the voices of students that have dire issues. Both Erdelyi and Schantin said that SGA could be more involved in the Rider Food Pantry. Erdelyi shared that he wrote legislation this past semester that created the position of Chief Diversity Officer within SGA to “amplify SGA’s commitment to advocate for policy that supports diversity at our school.”

Schantin and Erdelyi said that they would be in support of faculty wage increases as the negotiations for a new contract between the faculty union and the administration will take place this summer.

The Rider News decided to endorse Erdelyi in the campaign for SGA president.

Westminster students face an emotional goodbye after planned final semester in Princeton is cut short

By Stephen Neukam

As Rider students returned home and bid farewell to their spring semester after the university’s decision to discontinue in-person classes due to fears over the coronavirus (COVID-19), the student body of Westminster Choir College (WCC) was faced with an even harder goodbye — the possibility that it was their last time going to school on the Princeton campus.

With the university’s plan to consolidate the Princeton campus into Lawrenceville in the fall, students like freshman musical education major Maryrose Canevari might only spend one year on what she described as her “dream” campus.

“It’s just weird to think that we will only get one year on that campus, maybe,” said Canevari. “Because this was my dream school and a lot of that had to do with location and how beautiful our campus is and the tiny feel it has of a tight-knit community.”

Adding uncertainty to the process is the legal action that continues to attempt to block the consolidation. While the latest legal outcome was positive for Rider, with a motion to dismiss two lawsuits against the university being granted on March 2, the outcome of that hearing is being appealed.

Rider University @RiderUniversity

The choirs' 2020-21 season will include performances with @philorch,

@nezetseguin and at @carnegiehall. https://bit.ly/2xIhtHQ

Westminster’s choirs will perform in Philadelphia and New York in The Westminster Choir and the Westminster Symphonic Choir’s long history of performing with some of the world’s great orchestras will continue in the 2020-21 season. rider.edu

2:22 PM - Apr 4, 2020

Canevari has had an unusual and tumultuous freshman year of college. With a class of only 36 students, she has dealt with an emotional process of learning more about Rider’s consolidation plan and watched as 71 of her peers sued the university. To top it off, COVID-19 has separated her from friends and added more anxiety about the future than ever.

Canevari was in choir when she learned that the university would initially extend spring break by a week, and she said the events that led to the termination of in-person classes happened fast.

The biggest obstacle is adapting to remote instruction. Since WCC provides a performance-based education, it is difficult to transition that to an online format.

The students cannot sing together in a choir online because of the delay in the video feed and poor audio quality. While Canevari has access to a computer, internet and has a violin and trombone in her room right now, she empathized with her classmates that may not have the same resources.

“Piano [classes] have been interesting,” she said. “Some people don’t even have pianos at home — I am lucky enough to have one.”

One strategy that students have resorted to is muting their audio and all singing together, relying on the honor system that everyone is actually singing.

All of the school’s performances have been canceled as well. Some of these events were part of a class curriculum and were supposed to be a requirement for their education. On top of that, the performances are one of the most historical and storied parts of the school’s culture and senior voice performance major Christina Han was devastated that the students would not be able to perform this year.

“Our artistry has been taken from us,” Han said.

WestminsterChoirColl @WCCNJ

A year ago the Westminster Symphonic Choir participated in the @nyphil Phil the Hall concerts celebrating New York's everyday heroes. A recording is now on the @nyphil website. What could be more appropriate for sharing today. #wccproud #wccstronghttps://bit.ly/2V3FbpS

5:02 PM - Apr 3, 2020

Han came into the year excited about everything she would experience in her final semesters as an undergraduate. Now, what she looked forward to, such as performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra and putting on recitals, has been stripped away.

“There is now just a bunch of ‘what-ifs’ instead of actual experiences that could have been,” said Han. “It’s absolutely devastating.”

COVID-19 has also presented students with housing problems. Junior musical education major Christina Griffin lives in Maryland and has not been able to return to New Jersey to retrieve her belongings. Also, she lives in an off-campus house with friends, and they had to house-hunt for a place closer to Lawrenceville for next semester without everyone actually even visiting the houses.

The adjustments have been especially hard on Griffin, who has asthma as well as a 91-year-old grandmother who she is not able to see right now.

“It’s been really hard to not see her and social distancing because she and I are really close and I don’t want to compromise her health in any way,” said Griffin.

While the students have been sent home across throughout the country and the world, they say that the community and culture of WCC have followed them and made it easier to cope with the stress of everything.

“We make do with what we can and this is a testament to the Westminster community’s love for one another that we are still able to exist and cope,” said Han.

Griffin said that it is the people that are at WCC, not the campus, that makes the community so special and close.

“When things get hard at home, I know I can always reach out to my friends and I know that they will be there for me no matter what,” said Griffin. “It doesn’t really matter where we are — it’s who we have become as a community that really made us into a family.”

After everything that Canevari has dealt with during her first year of college, she said she would always choose WCC again.

“If this is the way that it had to happen and I could go into the past and look at my future I would absolutely choose Westminster over anything else,” said Canevari.

WCC students will miss all of their spring semester performances. Some students, like senior voice performance major Christina Han, will finish out their senior year without the cherished experiences they expected. Features & Entertainment

The Office of Campus Life held an online concert with former R-Factor contestants on April 1.

Online R-Factor concert soothes through song and screen

By Cassandra Stathis

Even performing through the video conference software Zoom, R-Factor contestants were still able to impress the crowd. Rider held a virtual R-Factor concert on April 1 to help soothe student anxiety with music. The competition started off with Associate Dean of Campus Life Nicholas Barbati and fellow R-Factor judge Karin Torchia, who hosted from 2012-2014, reminiscing about the very first R-Factor. Audience members had remained mute and with no video, and when it was their turn, contestants had their time to shine.

Barbati started by saying how he had a “memory like an elephant” and thought nobody would show during the first season of the competition. He also had concerns about the show being too hard to judge because of all the talent present during the virtual show.

The concert was no challenge for Barbati, however, as he said there were no difficulties when it came to organizing.

“The event was really easy to put together,” he said. “When we were looking for ways to engage our students, it was so wonderful to be able to revisit some of our extremely talented student performers that have created so many memories for the Rider Community in the past.”

As a Dean of Campus Life, Barbarti has also experienced the struggles of transitioning to remote interaction.

“I have certainly missed working directly with students so this was a tremendous way to reconnect and all be together,” said Barbati.

When it came to having to switch the event online, Barbarti said that the change took some getting used to, but that there were positives to be found.

“It certainly did feel different but it was so great to reconnect with Karin Torchia who judged R-Factor with me from 2012 to 2014,” Barbati said. “We always have so much fun together and we were thrilled to do this for our students. Hosting is certainly more challenging than it looks. With that said, I have so many wonderful memories of the performers that made it easy to revitalize connections with the student performers and give context to their performances.”

Performers included junior elementary education major Jenna Dean who had amazingly used her keyboard during her performance.

Next was senior musical theater major Anna Sanzone, who was a part of three past seasons and now had the opportunity to reinvent herself. When she originally performed in R-Factor, she sang a variety of Ariana Grande songs but switched to songs from the ‘70s. Sanzone had described R-Factor as “a place to be yourself.”

Senior neuroscience major Caleb Holt, who was the 2018 R-Factor Winner, also performed with his keyboard. Barbati said that “if R-Factor had a Mount Rushmore, [Holt’s] face would be on it.”

Finally, senior environmental science major Alina Bardaji, who was the 2019 winner, played some of her original songs on the acoustic guitar.

Senior environmental science major Alina Bardaji felt slightly uncomfortable performing for an audience, but loved the experience nonetheless. Photo courtesy of Rider University.

Bardaji practiced for the event, a part of the process she finds enjoyment in.

“I guess I don’t really think of it as practice as much as I think of it as just doing what I love,” she said.

Performing in person as opposed to virtually also runs the risk of having technical issues, which unfortunately Bardaji experienced.

“It made me feel a little self-conscious if I’m being honest,” she said. “Not everyone has access to good internet which is one of the reasons why I love performing in person so much more.”

Bardaji, however, was very happy at the chance of still getting to see her fellow R-factor contestants perform.

“I love that we are able to connect to each other while being so far apart, but sometimes it’s more challenging than we would like,” she said.

While some may have felt more comfortable to perform virtually, Bardaji felt the opposite.

“It actually felt more uncomfortable performing virtually than it does performing on stage,” said Bardaji. “I’m the type of musician that loves to see people’s faces when I’m playing because it gives me the ability to connect with them in a way that you can’t do when their cameras are turned off. I didn’t feel the same type of energy virtually, mainly because most of the people had their video switched off most of the time.”

At the end of the event, Barbati and Torchia gave students the opportunity to use the Zoom chat room to catch up and talk to one another, finishing with “We circle all around art. It links us all as one.”

Stopping the spread: How a Rider professor is using 3D printing to help those affected by COVID-19

John Bochanski was given permission to retrieve Rider’s 3D printer from the campus. Since then, he has been using the printer to create ventilator splitters that will ultimately save many lives that are battling COVID-19. by Christian McCarville

The mass spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused lots of panic and uncertainty across the globe. As hospitals quickly became filled and low on resources, health care workers have been consistently putting their lives on the line to help those infected with the virus. These heroes along with other first responders and volunteers have served to combat the virus and provide as much care for those infected as possible. One of these heroes is Rider’s own professor John Bochanski.

Bochanski is an associate professor of physics at Rider and chair of the Computer Science and Physics department. He is also the director and founder of Rider’s computer science major. Bochanski has been recently contributing to the fight against COVID-19 by using a 3D printer to create ventilator splitters that he has been donating to local hospitals.

“Doctors, especially those with some 3D printing experience, have been putting untested designs out to the public, in hopes that they could help make these splitters,” said Bochanski. “A good friend of mine, Justin Philips, let me know about the design put out by Dr. Alexander Clarke. He suggested that I start making them, and so I got to work.”

Ventilator splitters are extremely beneficial to hospitals, as ventilators are in very high demand. Since COVID- 19 is a respiratory illness, those with severe cases require ventilators to breathe. The splitters maximize the efficiency of all available ventilators, allowing more than one patient to use the machine.

Sophomore accounting major Cory Mayo gave praise to Bochanski and emphasized the importance of ventilator splitters.

“It is truly noble that Dr. Bochanski is taking the initiative to help people in our country battle COVID-19. It’d be highly efficient for hospitals to use these splitters, as they can use this to ventilate up to four patients at once in some cases,” said Mayo.

Bochanski holds up one of his 3D printed ventilator splitters. These splitters are very valuable to hospitals, as they give more patients access to a ventilator.

Bochanski provided details regarding his process of 3D printing the splitters and getting them to patients in need. “Once you download the files, it is pretty straightforward to print the devices. On the printer I am using, it takes about 12 hours to make one set of splitters,” said Bochanski.

After finding out about the printable ventilator splitter design, Bochanski reached out to Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Kelly Bidle and got permission to bring home Rider’s 3D printer. The printer now resides in his garage as he continues to produce splitters.

“I also was able to directly contact the CEO of Capital Health, which took the first batch of splitters. I could only do that because of a relationship that Dr. Jonathan Yavelow has forged with Capital Health,” Bochanski explained. “So it really is a group effort by a lot of people in the Rider community to make this happen. My parents raised my siblings and me to be proactive about helping others, and it is something that I am trying to instill in my own kids today.”

Bochanski stressed the importance of staying home in order to hinder the spread of the virus. It is something that everyone can do that has a real and measurable impact on putting an end to the pandemic.

“We all need to be taking this seriously and abiding by the CDC’s recommendations,” contributed sophomore business analytics major Kevin Buckland. “We are witnessing history in the making and we need to stay apart now so we can get back together soon.”

Bochanski also explained how others can contribute to the cause if they are in possession of a 3D printer.

”If you have a 3D printer, laser cutter or CNC machine, please look at sites like https://3dprint.nih.gov, https://www.helpfulengineering.org, and https://www.betterblock.org/covid19 for ideas on how to help,” said Bochanski. “If you can sew, begin making masks and distributing them to your family and friends. Everyone can help out in their own way, and bring some hope into the world.”

The tour guides have made themselves available to answer questions prospective students may have with group chats.

No tours, no problem: Virtual tour helps prospective students explore Rider

By Jason Mount

College campus tours could be the deciding factor for a high school student when choosing where to pursue higher learning, which is why Rider’s Office of Admissions has adapted to current circumstances by offering virtual tours.

As decision day approaches for prospective students, Rider has included a virtual tour of its campus on their website for families to explore the facilities without risking quarantine. The site welcomes interested individuals with a message to inform them about navigating the tour, saying “it’s like you’re a Rider Bronc already.”

There are several links to different areas on campus, each leading to a different page with a video of that specific location. Sections including Daly Dining Hall, residence halls, academic buildings, the Student Recreation Center and the Bart Luedeke Center.

Senior acting major and tour guide Anna Meyer said that the virtual tour on Rider’s website is not the only option prospective students have when they try to explore what the university has to offer. She said that tour guides offer online alternatives to help answer questions as well as provide more insight about the buildings.

“There are several group chats with tour guides and prospective students,” Meyer said. “While this isn’t the best option, it is one way for students to ask questions. Another thing we are doing is hosting Facebook lives to get them familiar with certain things on campus, such as orientation. We are also making ‘Why Rider’ videos as well to post.”

Senior theater major and tour guide Anna Meyer explained that Facebook live videos and “Why Rider” videos from current students are just some of the methods being used to help garner interest in the university. Photo courtesy of Anna Meyer.

The “Why Rider” videos are recorded by current students and alumni to share their stories about why they chose to attend Rider, said Meyer.

Meyer said that all of the posts and videos are being shared on various social media platforms to encourage questions from interested students, yet she feels that an online tour may not have the same benefits as a physical one. “I can’t say this makes up for visiting, and I fear that a lot of people will transfer in the fall because there is no way to really see a campus virtually,” she said.

Even though there is currently no physical option to see campus, Meyer believes that the videos shown in the virtual tour will help give students an idea of what the facilities look like.

“It still allows you to see the campus,” Meyer said. “Not to mention that the filming is very crisp and clean so it allows you to actually see things. I do appreciate that it shows the dorms. We didn’t have this when I was looking at Rider and a big drawback for me was that I had no idea what the dorms looked until I came. The videos help with that.”

Another tour guide, junior elementary education major Amelia Vallecilla, pointed out that the virtual tour is a good alternative for students who are too nervous to ask questions in person, and that the process is expedited in the online format

“I think [the virtual tour] helps the shy students, the ones who feel pressured to ask questions or talk,” Vallecilla said. “I think it allows them to see what they want to see. They aren’t stuck on a tour for 45 minutes to an hour, instead, they can spend one to 30 minutes on the website and get a general idea about the school.”

Vallecilla believed the online alternative is good to have in the situation of a pandemic, but that the tour could be expanded upon with the use of tour guides.

“Honestly, I think it’s great that Rider is offering students a chance to explore the campus from home,” she said. “I think if they really wanted to reel in prospective students, this is something that had to be put into effect. I think it would be cool too if they got some of the tour guides to be actually giving tours through Zoom.”

While the tour staff has come up with several ways to help garner interest in the university, Meyer is unsure of how effective the methods are.

“I’m unsure how receptive the students are,” said Meyer. “We haven’t posted a lot about the virtual tour, truthfully… I’m in two group chats and I get very little interaction. My partner and I try to set up questions to get them engaged but it’s hard for sure.”

Despite the rapidly changing circumstances brought on by the coronavirus, Rider found a way to still be available to prospective students, and to help integrate them into the Bronc community. Sports

Redshirt freshman forward Tyrel Bladen will enter his second year of play for the Broncs in the 2020-21 season. Photo by Carolo Pascale/The Rider News

Rider’s young core now the veterans for 2021

By Austin Ferguson

For the second season in a row, the men’s basketball team is losing a large portion of its roster.

At the end of 2018-19 season, the Broncs’ seven losses were headlined by the graduation of team captain Anthony Durham and the transfer of former All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Third Team member Jordan Allen to Division II Lynn University.

The abrupt conclusion of the 2019-2020 season has so far claimed the Rider careers of six more players, most notably the four active 1,000 point scorers the Broncs had.

The graduations of tied all-time Rider steals leader Stevie Jordan and four-year center Tyere Marshall were expected departures after spending four years each with the Broncs.

Shortly after, fellow 1,000-point scorers Dimencio Vaughn and Frederick Scott announced in quick succession that they planned to graduate and transfer.

Vaughn, a two-time member of the All-MAAC First Team, announced on April 5 that he was transferring to Ole Miss, while Scott’s decision is down to six schools, with multiple reports claiming Illinois State as the favorite.

Dimencio Vaughn @dimencio_vaughn

After much thought and consideration, I’ve decided to continue my basketball career at Ole Miss. Thank you to everyone who has helped

me through this process. Excited to be a Rebel #hottytoddy #SECball

2 29 PM 5 2020

In the wake of another large exodus, Rider has been hard on the recruiting trail, gathering six incoming freshmen and four transfers, with the most recent reported commits being Dwight Murray, Jr. from Incarnate Word, who will sit one year and have two years after of eligibility, and Dontrell McQuarter, a Hinds Community College transfer who will be immediately eligible.

Graduation and transfers force Broncs to look toward the future

Though a crop of new players can bring immediate success to a team as the Broncs saw in the 2017-2018 season with Vaughn and Allen, Rider will also have to lean on what’s left of its current roster to bring forth a veteran presence that holds the team together, like the Broncs cherished with Durham’s last two seasons with Rider.

Juniors

Redshirt guard Tyrei Randall

Though Randall is currently the longest-tenured Bronc, having already spent three years with the team, the hope should not be to see him for much longer. Randall took to Instagram on April 4 with a story post that said “It’s been real Rider… time for the next chapter,” possibly alluding that he, too, will be transferring from the program.

Forward Ajiri Ogemuno-Johnson

For the Love of the Game

Should Randall transfer, Ogemuno-Johnson would be left as the lone junior on the roster. The original plan for the Nigerian native was to transition to the power forward position.

“To me, he will eventually evolve into more of a [power forward] for us,” Rider Head Coach Baggett told The Rider News during Ogemuno-Johnson’s freshman year.

With the situation the Broncs are in now, Ogemuno-Johnson looks poised to become the starting man in the middle. He will also likely serve as the veteran of Baggett’s system and a bit of stability for the Rider rotation.

Ogemuno-Johnson averaged 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in 2019-20 and shot 50% from the field.

Sophomores

Redshirt forward Tyrel Bladen

Bladen experienced his first season of play in 2019-20 for the Broncs in a limited capacity behind a crowded scene of forwards.

Next season, the 6-foot-10 forward will surely find more minutes in the rotation. His athleticism is his biggest upside, though he has worked hard to develop a post game, something that he could prove next season.

Bladen had a season-high four points on two different occasions and played hard defense in his limited minutes. If he looks to continue to be effective with heavier minutes, he will have to curtail the number of fouls he accrues on the court, which can be easily corrected with more playing time.

SportsCenter ✔ @SportsCenter

Throw it down young fella #SCtop10

5:50 PM - Feb 9, 2020

After the departures of this season, Ings is the lone starter that Rider returns for 2020-21, having begun 18 contests for the Broncs

The guard was explosive throughout his rookie campaign, achieving multiple highlight dunks, including one that landed himself on SportsCenter, and developing a 3-point shot throughout the season, led by five games where he shot 50% or better from deep.

Inconsistencies on defense held Ings back toward the end of the season, especially in his final start against Monmouth on Feb. 2, when he played just four minutes.

With his freshman highs (and lows) behind him, Ings is likely the readiest player to be a mainstay in the Rider lineup as a viable two-way player.

Guard Allen Powell

“We just haven’t had enough minutes to give to him,” Baggett said about Powell after a strong first-half performance against Canisius on Feb. 7.

It should become easier to find Powell minutes to play next season and improvements would be sure to follow with the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native.

Powell is a player that seems to be wise beyond his years as he kept his composure on and off the court and proved time-and-time again that he is able to make the right move in a game situation.

Powell averaged just over one point per game but his intangibles of being able to move off of the ball and play smart defense will give him plenty of opportunities with extended play in the near future.

Guard Khalil Turner

Turner did not get a lot of opportunities on the court in his freshman campaign, mostly from the arsenal of guards ahead of him. He only played in just 12 games, only reaching double-digit minutes in his first regular- season game, where he scored five points in 15 minutes of play.

Turner’s length is an asset to the guard position, standing at 6-foot-7. Once he is able to find his jump shot, he will be able to supplant himself as one of the first players off of the bench, being able to play at the shooting guard and small forward positions.

What’s left of Rider’s core is young, there is no doubt about it. With their oldest player as a junior, the Broncs will have to rely on every player, from top to bottom, in order to find success next season.

Graduate transfer Rodney Henderson, Jr. will likely be the veteran leader of the team, much like Willy Nunez, Jr. was in 2019-20. However, the young core will have to gel and produce in order to enjoy a good season in 2020-21.

In the MAAC, young teams often find success as the season carries on. The most recent example came in 2020 with the second-place finish of Saint Peter’s, who were led by freshman Aaron Estrada and took down the four- time defending MAAC champion Iona Gaels.

The Broncs also enjoyed success with a mostly young team, taking a junior, two sophomores and two freshmen in the starting lineup in 2017 to a regular-season championship.

Baggett has proven before that he can take a young team and give it the tools to succeed quickly and the diverse core of players he has in front of him for next season can be more than prepared to do the same.

The biggest deciding factor for Rider’s future success will be time.

Former Rider midfielder Florian Valot has found success in the MLS since leaving Rider. Photo courtesy of Florian Valot's Instagram

Former Bronc finds success with New York Red Bulls

By Shaun Chornobroff

Florian Valot had a successful soccer career at Rider. The French midfielder accumulated 13 goals and six assists in 34 games.

Valot made his debut for the Broncs in 2014, and nearly six years later he finds himself among some of the best in the world, playing for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS). But it is a career that Valot did not expect to happen.

Valot’s last game at Rider was a loss in the NCAA tournament, and he thought it would be his last competitive game.

“I was about to quit soccer after my senior year, I was not gonna go and try out professionally,” Valot said during a phone call with The Rider News. “I was just going to finish my degree and go back to France.”

“I was kind of tired of it, my last season was kind of tough, physically. I had a lot of injuries and I was like maybe it was the right time to stop, maybe this means my body can’t handle it anymore. I wasn’t having much fun at the end because I was always hurt,” Valot said.

As he was heading toward graduation, Valot got an offer to try out for the Red Bulls and thought “why not go and see how it is?”

Valot was brought on as a trialist in March 2016, but did not officially sign with the Red Bulls for over four months. But Valot was the one who wanted to wait to sign, not the team.

“They told me early March they wanted to sign me, but I wanted to finish my degree first,” Valot explained. “As soon as I finished my degree they signed me to a USL contract.”

New York Red Bulls II ✔ @NYRBII

New York Red Bulls II sign Florian Valot. Welcome, Florian!

SIGNED: http://win.gs/28XY6hj #REDTogether#NYRBII

10:46 AM - Jun 25, 2016

The United Soccer League (USL) is a lower division of American soccer and MLS teams will often set up affiliates, similar to a minor league team, in the USL. This allows younger players to get playing time and develop in hopes of them playing in the MLS one day.

In Valot’s first professional campaign with Red Bulls II, the New York Red Bulls USL affiliate, the team went on to win the USL championship, with Valot playing 17 of 30 regular-season games and each one in the playoffs. Valot was tied for the team lead in assists despite not playing until after he signed his contract.

Valot built on his success during his second season. He scored 10 goals and seven assists in 32 matches and was a nominee for USL player of the month in September 2017.

“It felt good to play a full season,” Valot said, but admitted his body was not fully in sync. Valot’s good performances were rewarded with a “dream come true,” a promotion to the MLS.

“A lot of people would love to be in my shoes,” Valot said. “I had to put the work in and be worthy of the opportunity.”

Valot was an immediate contributor for the Red Bulls starting 13 matches of 14 matches he played in the 2018 season, and contributing three goals and five assists in his first MLS season. He seemed to be in the midst of a breakout season until an ACL tear in his right knee ended it prematurely.

“It was hard, you’re having a good season, you get hurt, and you don’t know what your future’s going to be like,” Valot said of the injury. “You just go on with your life, and try to do the right things with your life, you try to have the right mentality.” https://twitter.com/florian valot/status/1016084035175510016

Even though he had almost left the game due to injuries in the past, Valot did not have that thought this time.

“It was a different environment, it was a different setup, I was under contract with the team,” Valot said. “I didn’t think it was a good thing to give up, so I thought ‘let’s work hard and see how I can come back.’”

Valot described his recovery as “a motivation to get back out there.”

Which he eventually did, starting the game and recording an assist in the 2019 season opener against the Columbus Crew. But 35 minutes into the second game, tragedy struck Valot again, as he tore his ACL again, this time in his right knee.

At this point, Valot felt the injury was business as usual.

“I thought, ‘I’m gonna do this another time,’” Valot said of his second ACL tear. “I believe everything happens for a reason, so there wasn’t much I could say or do, I just had to work.”

Valot came into the 2020 season “physically and mentally ready.” He had spent a lot of time preparing and there was “no reason it should go wrong.”

Valot shined in the season opener on March 2, providing two assists in a win against FC Cincinnati.

“It’s rewarding, work paid off, I was more happy we won the opener than having two assists, but it was just the cherry on the cake,” Valot said, but his star performance also led to him being named to the MLS Team of the Week. “It came as a surprise, I wasn’t targeting this, but it made the day even better.”

Major League Soccer ✔ @MLS

Best of the best

Week 1: http://soc.cr/mpmv30qmmZU

4:13 PM - Mar 2, 2020

Sadly, Valot’s season went wrong — this time not due to injury, but the coronavirus. The MLS originally suspended play for 30 days on March 12, but on March 18 it extended the suspension to May 10. And it seems unlikely things will be back before then.

Valot knows there’s not much he can do during the virus and is “trying to stay fit” so that he is ready to play once the league returns.

Before starring with the Red Bulls, Valot was a star at Rider.

Valot was one of the best players in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), winning rookie of the year in 2014 in addition to being named First Team All-MAAC in both seasons. He won a conference title in 2015, his senior season, assisting the clinching goal in the MAAC Championship game and helping to ensure a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Valot first heard of Rider after competing in a two-day combine that put foreign players in front of collegiate scouts. After a good performance in the combine, Valot started receiving offers and committed to a school.

“Rider was not my first option,” Valot admitted. “I committed to another school.”

Valot had originally committed to the University of North Carolina and a two-time national champion. But he would never play for the Tar Heels.

“[North Carolina] said to me ‘we don’t think you have enough credits to attend the school. So we’re gonna give your scholarship to somebody else,” Valot said. After he decommitted, Valot was adamant about playing in America, and he had one option left.

“Rider was the last DI school I could actually attend,” Valot explained. “ I wanted to leave France, I wanted to do this journey, and that’s why I went to Rider.”

Despite not intending to go to Rider, Valot still thinks fondly of his time in Lawrenceville.

“It played a big part of where I am today,” Valot said. “I made lifetime friends over there, and I will always be thankful.”

Florian Valot ✔ @florian valot

I owe a lot to my Rider Coach, Charlie Inverso. Congratulation Boss #GoBroncs #MAACSoccer https://twitter.com/RiderMensSoccer/status/1082750965013450752 …

Rider Mens Soccer @RiderMensSoccer Charlie Inverso to Receive Advocacy Award of Excellence from @UnitedCoaches https://gobroncs.com/news/2019/1/8/mens-soccer-charlie-inverso-to-receive-advocacy- award-of-excellence-from-united-soccer-coaches.aspx … #GoBroncs #MAACSoccer

8:23 PM - Jan 8, 2019

Valot admits it may have been destiny that he ended up at Rider instead of North Carolina.

“Everything happens for a reason, and maybe if I went to another school I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Valot said.

Even though it was unintended, it’s fair to say Valot is still proud to be a Bronc.

Women's basketball Head Coach Lynn Milligan (center) was named the 2019-2020 MAAC Coach of The Year. Photo by Dylan Manfre/The Rider News

Milligan’s coaching career comes full circle at Rider

By Dylan Manfre

Lynn Milligan is usually clapping her hands and strutting up and down the sidelines of Alumni Gym wearing a blazer and heels — it is her signature coaching look. Over the years, she has learned the 40 minutes of back and forth is a fraction of what she says is required of a good coach.

“You’re judged on 40 minutes on the court, but I don’t think people understand what goes into that and understand the process of the people that are between those lines,” Milligan said via FaceTime. “That’s always the part I’ve always liked the most, is the relationships I get to build — even as an assistant coach for 15 years.”

“You bring a young woman to Rider and they are a 17, 18-year-old kid, as a freshman. When they leave as a senior, they’re a 22, 23-year-old woman. And there’s a lot of stuff that goes on from 17 to 22 in a young woman’s life that has absolutely nothing to do with basketball.”

Milligan knew from age 16 she wanted to be a coach. Specifically, the Rider women’s basketball coach. In a candid interview on The Jump Around Podcast with Blake DuDonis, she said she never had a “real job.”

Her jobs working with sports camps and children all pointed her toward her goal of becoming the head coach at her alma mater. Yes, Milligan is a Rider alum where she played softball in addition to basketball.

She built an extensive resume as an assistant coach at Drexel University and Saint Joseph’s University before applying to the job at Rider in 2004 after her former head coach Eldon Price stepped down. While she was at those other stops, she was still fixated about coaching Rider. “I was an assistant coach for 15 years and I loved it, I really enjoyed it,” Milligan said. “But in my mind, I was preparing myself to be the head coach at Rider… If the opportunity came where I could be a head coach at Rider University, that’s what I wanted to do.”

When Price stepped down, the opportunity came for Milligan to achieve the goal she desperately set out for. This was her chance.

She was rejected for Tori Harrison.

Milligan described it as ”devastating.” Her main concern was that she would not be too hard on herself.

Harrison’s short-lived time at Rider produced a 14-73 record in three seasons. Not exactly the best mark for a program in the rebuilding phase.

“In hindsight, it’s probably good it happened that way because three years later I was even more ready,” Milligan said. “I tried to turn my devastation into a positive and say ‘When the opportunity comes I’m not gonna miss it next time.’”

Although she does not like to reflect back on it, Milligan’s first three years did not produce spectacular numbers either. She went 22-68 — a winning percentage of .323.

Those years came with a great deal of pressure to live up to the tradition of being an alumna of the university as well as the women’s basketball program. She took over the program with two goals: having the team maintain a GPA greater than a 3.0 and to hang a banner in Alumni Gym.

“I take a lot of responsibility in that and I want everybody to be so proud of this program and just be committed to its success and want to be around our kids and be the best,” Milligan said.

Her players see that drive and passion each day on and off the court.

“I kind of call her the team’s therapist,” senior guard Stella Johnson said. “If you have a problem, you go to [Milligan], and she talks to you and makes you feel better.”

During the early years of her tenure, Rider endured multiple exits from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament and experienced a handful of losing seasons. From the 2011-2012 season to the 2015- 2016 season, Rider’s best overall record was 15-15.

The worst under Milligan was 4-26 in 2009-2010.

“The one common denominator we had every season was, our vision was very clear, our work ethic was obvious. I think the way we were doing things was the right way,” Milligan said. “I think you saw the growth of parts of the program every year and I think that’s afforded us the opportunity to do what we’ve been doing.”

In order to get the two MAAC Coach of the Year awards (in 2017 and 2020), get to the conference final appearance in 2016, two multiple 20-win seasons and become Rider’s all-time wins leader with 163, she needed to establish a unique culture on and off the court.

Rider Women’s Basketball @RiderWBB

With today's victory, Head Coach Lynn Milligan passed her former coach Eldon Price for the most wins in program history! #GoBroncs #BroncsToTheBoardwalk #MAACHoops

5:02 PM - Feb 15, 2020

“She’s one of the most well-prepared coaches in terms of the amount of film she watches, just trying to out- scout the other team,” said Assistant Coach Pam Durkin, who has been on Milligan’s staff for the same 13 years. “I’ve just never seen a coach work as hard as her.”

The 2019-2020 season, unique in every way possible, brought with it a culminating feel with it. Rider had six seniors — the most in the MAAC — and a real shot at winning the conference title for the first time in program history.

Rider Women’s Basketball @RiderWBB

There are no words to describe the emotions we are feeling right now. Just wanted to say thank you to these 6 seniors! We will have a proper celebration of the entire team, just not sure when. Stay tuned! #RiderHEARTnSOUL

6:34 PM - Mar 12, 2020

Coaching the group gave her a lot of excitement and adrenaline, especially when senior guard Amari Johnson tipped the ball in with 0.5 seconds left against Monmouth to secure the regular-season title. Milligan called it the most important shot in Rider women’s basketball history.

When the MAAC cancelled the tournament due to the coronavirus, emotions ran high for everyone on the team, Milligan included. Although her birthday wish of cutting the nets down on March 14, her 50th birthday, did not come true, Rider was awarded the MAAC tournament title according to the conference bylaws. Milligan is still incredibly happy about what her team accomplished this season.

“There was so much history that we made this year that that final piece of the MAAC awarding us the championship is great because we had an opportunity to go to the NCAA tournament … those words themselves are something that has never been said about Rider women’s basketball. However they came about, I’m proud of them.”

Follow Dylan Manfre on Twitter for the latest on Rider Athletics Opinion

photo credits: Cagle Cartoons Witnessing the history of humanity

The world is a confusing place right now. We are in unprecedented times and navigating through uncharted waters each day battling the coronavirus.

I have hope that we will be able to congregate again and see each other interact without being 6-feet apart. History has shown that it is possible to overcome pandemics before, and for whatever it is worth, I am confident we can get through this one.

One night during the extended spring break period, I was watching the 11 p.m. news with my dad which showed segments of people cheering around the world. People in Italy were singing songs from their balconies, dancing in the streets and cheering on children returning from hospitals around the country.

John Krasinski @johnkrasinski · Mar 25, 2020 Alright everybody, how about #SomeGoodNews ! Send me the stories that have made you feel good this week or the things that just made you smile!

April Danz @momuses #SomeGoodNews my daughter, Coco, finished her final chemo treatment yesterday and our friends had a surprise social distancing welcome home parade for her!

2:52 PM - Mar 25, 2020

My mind began to wander and I thought about how generations after us will learn about this period of history. I wrote how I felt in my journal because I thought that it was important to highlight some of the aforementioned good deeds people did. Decades later if someone is to ever find my old journal they will see entries about the good of humanity during a dark time.

“We’re on social media, especially since we’re not occupied at school … so going on your phone is something normal to do. We have the power to post anything we want at any time,” sophomore graphic design major Jordan Griffin said via FaceTime. “The more positivity we post, the more it will impact people as a whole.”

Griffin added that if people continue to highlight the positivity in the world, that the future authors of history books will hopefully record it.

In the coming years, children will learn definitions of “Social Distancing” and it will probably be some question on a quiz in history class, but that is not what I want to see. I want to see questions such as “What common office device did individuals use to make face shields for hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic?” And the answer would be a 3D printer.

Oscar Valera, an ESL teacher at Kearny High School and husband to Nicole Valera, who is a teacher in my town, is doing just that.

These are stories that need to see the light of day so that generations down the line will never lose faith in humanity.

Freshman health care policy major Katy Timari, who is in the process of her EMT training, said many people around her town have made donations.

“The EMT center has been getting a lot of donations from local restaurants,” Timari said. “It’s really important to look back and see the positives even when things are dark, but it’s also important to learn from the mistakes made at this time.”

She also wants news outlets to report on how many people have recovered or have been discharged from the hospitals, rather than just the deaths and increases of cases.

“There are also facts that people are getting better and people who are doing amazing stuff and that’s just not being looked at,” Timari said. “It’s heartbreaking to me because you want to highlight the good in humanity as well as all the [expletive] stuff going on. The two things are going on at once but you need to look at both sides of the coin.”

What I hope people take into account is how desperately important it is to help showcase the good things people all around the world are doing in this horrific time. Hopefully, it will brighten someone’s day and restore their faith in humanity.

The Rider News 4/15/2020 digital edition

ridernews ridernews Wed, Apr 15, 5:01 PM to RIDERALLFACULTYSTAFF-L

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Members of the Rider Community,

The student staff of The Rider News will continue to provide ongoing coverage related to campus news, sports, features and entertainment, and opinion, through a fully digital, online publication of our weekly newspaper, through April 29.

This Week's Stories

News

Financial fears grow as Rider’s bond rating is slashed to junk status The coronavirus pandemic may have a lasting effect on Rider’s economic future, after Moody’s downgraded the university’s bond rating last week. The action, though, was a result of Rider’s overall financial outlook and not just anxieties spurred by the virus. (By Stephen Neukam)

Living on campus in a pandemic Far from home on a nearly-deserted campus, a Rider News editor walks through what it is like to be one of the last students left at school. (By Hailey Hensley)

Dylan Erdelyi elected SGA student body president, other results announced Junior musical theater major Dylan Erdelyi was elected student body president and all other results of the week-long election were announced. (By Lauren Minore)

Residence Life provides updates on CAs’ final paycheck After a dispute over pay in light of the coronavirus, community assistants received more clarity about their situation. However, some were unhappy with the way the information was revealed. (By Tatyanna Carman)

Features & Entertainment

“Quarantunes” concert series brings Sam James to Rider’s virtual community “The Voice” star Sam James performed for Rider students over Instagram Live as part of 107.7 The Bronc’s “Quarantunes” concert series. (By Megan Raab)

Quarantine Survival Guide: Devon Werkheiser to appear on 107.7 The Bronc’s “Quarantunes” After his scheduled appearance at Rider was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, Nickelodeon star Devon Werkheiser will perform in 107.7 The Bronc’s “Quarantunes” concert series. (By Christian McCarville)

Sports

Reliving the best season in Rider women’s basketball history After its historic season ended abruptly, women’s basketball Head Coach Lynn Milligan wants the team’s legacy to stand untarnished. (By Dylan Manfre)

Flashback: The wild finish to women’s track and field’s championship win The chance at a championship came down to one last event. Senior thrower Ronetta Hunter relives her tournament heroics and the throw that won a title by just three centimeters. (By Austin Ferguson)

Opinion

Sustainability and social distancing How to incorporate sustainability and eco-friendliness into your social distancing routine. (By Danielle Balsamo)

Animal Crossing crossing new horizons How the release of a classic video game is just in time for social distancing. (By Cassandra Stathis)

We encourage you all to follow The Rider News on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for breaking news, stories, and updates. If you wish to subscribe to our digital email list, for weekly emails with links to our stories and updates, please fill out this form with your name and email address.

The staff of The Rider News wishes you all health and wellness during this unprecedented, historical time. Thank you for your continued support and readership of our publication.

Sincerely,

Stephen Neukam and Lauren Minore Executive and Managing Editor of The Rider News

News

Rider’s financial challenges have been compounded by the coronavirus pandemic, with Moody’s downgrading the school’s bond rating to junk status on A Financial fears grow as Rider’s bond rating is slashed to junk status

By Stephen Neukam

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) throws everyday life for students, staff and faculty into uncertainty, Rider’s financial future becomes more and more insecure, with the bond credit rating business Moody’s downgrading the university’s revenue bonds to junk status on April 6.

The rating means that the school’s bonds carry a higher chance of default, and will affect rated bonds worth $73 million through the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority. Additionally, should the university borrow more money in the future, it is likely to pay higher interest rates.

While the Moody’s report makes clear that its action comes on the heels of the projected costs of COVID-19, the general financial situation of Rider is what precipitated the downgrade.

The report notes that declining enrollment and net tuition revenue were a factors in the downgrade. Also, Moody’s is not very optimistic about the forecast for these issues, saying that smaller incoming classes and increased tuition discounts will cause revenue to decline further in fiscal year 2020. Additionally, it cautions for the prospect of a recessionary environment as a result of the virus, which may cause students to choose lower- cost alternatives.

On top of declined revenue, the school continues to post operating deficits, with the administration’s latest projection in March being a $14.1 million deficit for the current fiscal year.

The Rider News @theridernews

Rider President Gregory Dell’Omo and members of his administration unveiled current projections of a multi- million dollar budget deficit for the current fiscal year. By @StephenNeukam1. https://www.theridernews.com/dellomo-administration- address-economic-and-enrollment-challenges-at-spring- faculty-town-hall/ …

Dell’Omo, administration address economic and enrollment challenges at spring faculty town hall -... By Stephen Neukam At a faculty town hall meeting on Feb. 27, Rider President Gregory Dell’Omo and me theridernews.com

4 41 PM M 9 2020

Rider’s ongoing financial issues have been compounded by COVID-19, and in particular, the university’s policy of issuing a refund or credit to students for room and board for a portion of the spring semester. The exact cost of this policy, or the amount of refund students can expect, has not been announced.

Rider President Gregory Dell’Omo and Chief Financial Officer Jim Hartman declined to be interviewed for this article.

The administration is still assessing how severe the economic damage of COVID-19 will be. Vice President of University Marketing and Communication Kristine Brown said that the university is monitoring “enormous” sets of projections and estimates and also receiving guidance from state and federal sources.

“Once we have a clearer picture of the entire situation and all the information we need to consider, we will then be in a better position to discuss the extent of the impact this pandemic is having on the university, as well as the various actions which will need to be taken to address the situation,” said Brown in a statement to The Rider News.

There are signs that relief may be coming for the university. As part of the national Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, Rider is set to receive over $3.6 million from the federal government. A minimum of just over $1.8 million of that amount must be awarded for emergency financial aid grants to students.

Secretary Betsy DeVos ✔ @BetsyDeVosED

We’ve prioritized getting #CARESAct funding out the door to students who need it most.

That’s why today, @usedgov announced $6B is going immediately to colleges/universities for emergency cash grants for college students impacted by #COVID19. More here: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-rapidly-delivers-more-6-billion- emergency-cash-grants-college-students-impacted-coronavirus-outbreak …

1:53 PM - Apr 9, 2020

“At this time, we are working on a plan to utilize these funds as they are intended,” said Brown. “When that plan is finalized in the next several weeks, we will communicate the details to our university community.”

However, the Moody’s report indicates that while the federal aid might grant some immediate relief to Rider, it is unlikely to neutralize the short and long term effects of the virus on the university.

Professor in the Information Systems and Supply Chain Management Department Arthur Taylor said that it is clear that COVID-19 was not the reason for Rider’s rating downgrade. Instead, it is a consequence of Rider’s management and business decisions, he said.

“In my opinion, Rider’s current financial predicament is almost entirely self-inflicted,” said Taylor, who also serves as the vice president for Rider’s Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).

Taylor pointed to Rider’s failed attempt to sell Westminster Choir College (WCC) and the revenue that it lost for the university. In particular, he said the drop in enrollment at the choir school, which fell by 42% between 2016 and 2019, was a massive opportunity cost for Rider.

The cost associated with WCC will continue to climb for Rider. The administration has estimated that the cost of the consolidation of WCC to Lawrenceville will be between $16 million and $20 million.

The administration plans to recoup some of these costs with the sale of the Princeton campus, however, legal hurdles remain before that can be accomplished.

The Rider News @theridernews

The New Jersey Superior Court granted Rider’s motion to dismiss two lawsuits that challenged the school’s consolidation plans. https://www.theridernews.com/court- dismisses-lawsuits-challenging-wcc-consolidation/ …

Court dismisses lawsuits challenging WCC consolidation - The Rider News In a victory for the university’s bid to move Westminster Choir College (WCC) to the Lawrenceville c theridernews.com

1:06 PM - Mar 7, 2020

These expenses come at a time when the university has announced and begun major investments into infrastructure around its Lawrenceville campus. Some of the investments that have been prioritized are to help accommodate WCC students when they reach the campus in September.

Many universities throughout the country have halted construction projects due to COVID-19 — for example, George Washington University has suspended all major capital projects on its campus. However, New Jersey has allowed school construction to continue, and Brown said that progress continues to be made on the projects in Gill Chapel and Omega House. Brown did not mention the progress on the renovations to the Fine Arts Center.

“While there have been some minor challenges over the past month, mostly related to delay in delivery of construction supplies, the projects remain on schedule at this time,” said Brown.

To help fund these investments, the university has raised over $49 million during the “quiet phase” of an $80 million fundraising campaign. However, this number represents both gifts and pledges and they are often restricted for specific uses.

Complicating things further for the administration is the imminent negotiations between the university and the faculty union for a new bargaining agreement this summer. While faculty have not received a cost-of-living raise in six years, it is expected that there will be pressure on the administration to reach that threshold in the negotiations, with the Student Government Association President-elect Dylan Erdelyi signaling public support for that goal.

Taylor said that the union is “quite aware” of the economic conditions of the university, but said that there is a way for the administration to give the faculty a raise. “They can change their behavior,” said Taylor. “They can quit making bad business decisions.”

Rider AAUP about 2 months ago

This summer the Rider AAUP will begin negotiations with the Rider administration for a new contract. Since the founding of the AAUP many decades ago, we have fought hard to protect academic freedom, promote shared governance, and promote the well-being of the faculty, librarians, and professional athletic staff. While many are familiar with our recent efforts to protect Rider University from the administration's bad business decision making regarding Westminster Choir College... See More

The report by Moody’s details factors that could possibly lead to a rating upgrade in the future, including, “Significant and sustained improvement in financial performance to demonstrate long-term viability.” However, Moody’s is also grim about the possibility of a future downgrade, which it said could happen if there is a continued financial disruption due to COVID-19 and a further decline in enrollment, among other factors.

Living on campus in a pandemic

By Hailey Hensley

The spring semester of my junior year absolutely did not go the way I planned.

News editor and current campus resident Hailey Hensley.

Granted, it did not go the way anyone had planned. The days of club meetings, conferences and sitting in the hammocks by Centennial Lake all vanished, seemingly without warning.

I was on the west coast when things really hit the fan. I went on a short trip to attend a one-day conference and visit a friend in Portland, Oregon. When my flight left Newark on March 11, I had no idea I would be coming back to a ghost-town just a few days later.

My roommate and I had already been approved to stay on campus during spring break. We were both planning to work and spend a relaxing spring break on the campus we love. However, email after email began to show me that the dream of a normal semester had been pushed out the window. As Rider began sending the emails mandating every student to go home immediately, I was suddenly confronted with the real fear that I would be left with nowhere to live and no roof over my head.

My mom is a two-day drive away in South Carolina, and quite frankly, there was no way I would be able to stay there for more than a week or two, even if I could get there. So, I sent in my email request begging for an exception from Residence Life, pleading to be allowed to remain in residence on campus.

I waited for days with bated breath, hoping to receive one glorious email that would lift a million tons of pressure off of my shoulders. Finally, it came. I had been granted the right to stay. I would be allowed to wait out the pandemic from the luxury of my 10 feet by 12 feet dorm room.

With that anxiety relieved and the vast majority of the campus community gone, it really began to sink in that the world was falling apart and I was hundreds of miles away from my family. I began to grasp the depth of loneliness I would feel before this was over.

I was so incredibly grateful to have a place to stay and grateful to Rider for being so accommodating. However, that did not change the fact that I was facing the next few months entirely on my own in a place I associated with being bustling with life, energy and joy, now at a complete standstill.

Then came the next startling reality: I would need to find a way to create structure and fill my days.

For the first week or two, I slept constantly and would not see the sun for days. I was not going to pick up the meals the campus provided because I started to feel like I no longer knew how to interact with people. Being completely isolated for weeks does weird things to your psyche.

Week three brought some much-needed clarity. I have since been making an effort to get up every morning, instead of sleeping the day away. I have also been trying to reach out to my friends more and spend at least an hour every day outside.

I eventually made my first trek to Daly Dining Hall to get the meals Rider was providing to all students who remained on campus. When I got there it was much different than I expected. There were all these signs posted telling everyone to remain six feet apart from each other and the tables with food.

I knew all these guidelines were necessary, but it still felt like an entirely different world than the one I had left three short weeks ago. Every single person was masked. Everyone was friendly, but distant, as we all had to be in this crisis.

Online classes are odd. I am the only person still on campus in all my classes, and when my camera is on, someone —usually the professor — inevitably asks if I am still on campus. I then have to awkwardly explain that, yes, I am still here. Getting home would have been too difficult, I do not really have a room at home, etc. It always feels strange explaining to my class that I have nowhere else to go.

A few days ago, the weather was incredible and I was sitting outside on a bench right behind the Moore Library, facing the gazebo by the lake. All the trees and flowers were in full bloom, as they are every spring on campus. It was breathtaking to look at, with the bright sun making the lake sparkle and the red and yellow flowers placed right in front of it. I was suddenly hit with an immense wave of melancholy overlooking it all because there was no one else there to see it.

Springtime on campus usually has a buzz of life around it. Seniors are getting excited about commencement, everyone is looking forward to summer break, the weather is beautiful and classes are winding down for the year. It’s a special time and we were all missing it. Sure, I was still on campus, but nothing was the same. Nothing was as it should be.

Springtime at Rider brings out a wide variety of flowering plants that make campus a truly remarkable sight in the warm weather.

The whole world is grieving right now, and I’ve spent a lot of time in this era of social distancing sorely wishing for all things I used to have. I miss watching bad reality TV with my roommate, I miss the ramen from Cranberry’s Cafe and I miss seeing my Rider News family in person. There are so many things to grieve for.

I am aware these things may seem small and insignificant, but that is OK. I have come to accept that it is OK to be sad about the small things too. For now, I’m just doing my part and social distancing, waiting for the day where we can all get back at least some of the things we are missing.

Dylan Erdelyi elected SGA student body president, other results announced

By Lauren Minore

Dylan Erdelyi, junior musical theater major, was elected student body president and the results of the Student Government Association (SGA) elections were announced on April 14.

Seven members, including Erdelyi, were elected to the SGA executive board. A total of 24 student senators were elected among Rider’s five colleges, including Westminster Choir College.

According to SGA’s weekly update, Westminster Choir College led the colleges in voter turnout, with a vote cast from approximately 75% of the college’s population.

In addition, eight class council officers were elected to round off SGA’s representatives for the 2020-2021 academic year.

A total of 16 SGA sub government representatives were also elected to organizations including the Association of Commuting Students, Residence Hall Association and the Student Finance Board.

Erdelyi thanked everyone who voted for him and supported his campaign in a statement to The Rider News. “This year is going to come with challenges, but I know the Rider spirit is strong and we will face them head- on,” said Erdelyi. “I’m so looking forward to leading the student body as we grow and develop through the next year.”

Charles Palmer, senior political science major, served as senior class president and a member of SGA during his four years at Rider. Palmer said he felt bittersweet after the election results were announced as his final semester winds down.

“I’m so happy. I’m especially so happy for Rhea [Fryer,] she’s going to do great things in this position,” Palmer said. “Having been apart of SGA for the past four years, it makes me sad, but I am very optimistic for the newly-elected members.”

Palmer’s successor was announced as another political science major, junior Rhea Fryer. Fryer said she has always looked forward to this opportunity and was excited and eager to begin.

“Some goals I would like to accomplish next year include having better representation of the senior class and getting to hear their feedback and involvement,” she said. “I also want to make great events for the senior class towards a senior week and an awesome senior gift.”

The full election results can be found in SGA’s fourth weekly update: https://www.flipsnack.com/ridersga/weekly-update-4.html

Residence Life provides updates on CAs’ final paycheck

By Tatyanna Carman

The date of the final paycheck for community assistants (CA) was delayed to April 24 after an initial change was made to the final pay period of CA compensation by the university.

University officials decided to change the last date that would be counted toward CA compensation from March 29, with a paycheck date of April 10, to March 23, according to the Associate Dean of Residence Life Roberta Butler.

Roberta Butler, the associate dean of Residence Life

The Rider News previously covered the university’s decision to stop compensation for CAs. The university’s reason for stopping the CAs’ stipend was because they were “not in a place to continue to pay for work that could no longer be performed…,” according to Vice President for Student Affairs Leanna Fenneberg. This was a result of the closure of residence halls on campus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior political science major and CA in Steven R. Beckett Village Charles Palmer said he reached out to Butler about the CAs’ last paycheck and that her response was, “originally Residence Life had hoped to be able to pay the CA staff through April 10. The university’s decision to stop student worker payroll as of March 23 trumped our decision.”

Charles Palmer, senior political science major and CA in Steven R. Beckett Village

Butler sent an email on April 10 to the CAs notifying them that “The University communication on March 25 about student workers halted our process to facilitate this payment” and that CAs will not receive the final paycheck on April 10. She said in the email that the decision precipitated a discrepancy between what was previously communicated about the remaining payments. However, Butler did provide a solution in the email, as well.

“We are therefore now processing one additional two-week paycheck for the period previously committed [for] March 16 to March 29. The payment will be processed on April 24th,” she said in the email.

Butler said that the questions she has received from CAs were why were they not compensated like was originally stated, why an additional communication was not sent out and was there the ability to apply for sick pay?

Palmer said he was glad that he took it upon himself to seek clarification on this issue from Butler and glad that the CAs are being paid their last paycheck.

“I do believe community assistants should be paid the full stipend for the year, however, COVID-19 has presented unique opportunities and I know we are trying our best as a Rider Community to deal with it and accommodate everyone,” he said.

Junior communication studies major and CA of Ziegler Hall Giavanna Troilo said that she found out from a CA group chat that their final April 10 paycheck was no longer being disbursed on April 8. She later heard a statement from the community directors (CD) on April 9 about this change.

Giavanna Troilo, junior communication studies major and CA in Ziegler Hall

Troilo said that she found the news of this change upsetting and that it was “unacceptable” that she learned about it through another CAs’ inquiry. She also said that there was, “no communication from Residence Life of this change, and overall, the CAs have been left with a feeling of being blindsided by the multiple changes to our payroll.”

Senior dance major and CA in Steven R. Beckett Village Rose Conroy-Voza said that why the university was able to change in date for the last paycheck was “confusing,” and said that “all of this commotion,” distracts from the fact that CAs are still not being paid what they deserve.

Rose Conroy-Voza, senior dance major and CA in Steven R. Beckett Village

“Yes, we are grateful that Residence Life fixed their mistake and is paying us our last paycheck however now we are just back to where we started,” Conroy-Voza said. “I hope to still fight for being paid for the entirety of the year. There are several ways CAs can work from home and several universities in New Jersey are doing so.”

Troilo said that she was relieved that Residence Life made the right decision in fulfilling its promise of the final paycheck, but it did not excuse the lack of communication. She also said that she will plan to continue to seek answers regarding the “revoking of the stipends.” Troilo had remaining questions about why the CDs are being instructed by Residence Life to conduct virtual programs to residents while being compensated, and if any changes will be done to the contract as a result of this situation.

Butler responded to those questions and said, “We retained Community Directors to oversee campus emergency response and other administrative duties associated with maintaining care for students who remain on campus. As a part of the care for students, they are also facilitating some virtual programming to support students.”

She clarified that the focus is on the coronavirus campus response and its impact on residential students presently. Residence Life has not yet considered any possible changes to the CA contract, according to Butler.

Troilo gave a response to Residence Life’s response to the situation.

“I argue that calling us a family is not enough, and that our value to you is reflected in our compensation,” Troilo said. “Vulnerable students who rely on their campus employment are suffering right now, while university administrators are most likely going to come out this with their paychecks unscathed.”

Features & Entertainment

107.7 The Bronc held a virtual concert with Sam James, former contestant on “The Voice,” on April 9. Courtesy of 107.7 The Bronc. “Quarantunes” concert series brings Sam James to Rider’s virtual community

By Megan Raab

107.7 The Bronc hosted a digital concert for Rider students to enjoy from the comfort and safety of their own homes on April 8. It was the first of the station’s “Quarantunes” series of social distancing concerts.

The concert was performed by musician Sam James of NBC’s “The Voice,” who was featured on Adam Levine’s team in season three. The singer also appeared on “Songland,” showing off his writing talents. The concert was live-streamed on the station’s Instagram for an hour of entertainment.

The show opened to the singer, donning his Rider hoodie, from his Massachusetts home. A picture of a dog hung happily on the wall, and the artist presented the intimate concert right from his couch.

The concert featured songs of all genres, both originals and covers. James played everything from hip-hop, playing “Juicy” by Notorious B.I.G., to “Beautiful Life,” his song with Bebe Rexha from the DreamWorks movie “Abominable.” Viewers were even treated to an acoustic performance of James’s song “Shinedown,” the tune that got him featured on “Songland.”

Sam James sang several of his own songs, including “Shinedown” and “Beautiful Life,” his song with Bebe Rexha for the movie “Abominable.” Courtesy of Sam James.

James’ songs have been performed by himself and other artists including Bebe Rexha and Dolly Parton, who sings his song “Faith,” with Galantis, which he says is his favorite song he has written. He has also recently gone viral with his acoustic covers of hip-hop songs and he shared some of those with Rider in his concert.

The show had a unique interactive element that would not be possible in the capacity of a traditional live show. Viewers could send comments during the performance and James even responded to them in real-time. He took live requests from the audience, playing “Whiskey Glasses” by Morgan Wallen in response to being asked for some country music.

James took questions from the audience as well, sharing stories of his experience on “The Voice” and “Songland.” He also shared other tales from the business and engaged in conversation to lift students’ spirits and bring them together during this time apart. When asked to share some advice for singers and songwriters here at Rider, James had many words of wisdom.

“Play everywhere and anywhere… literally. I play sold-out theater shows and I’m sitting on Instagram right now with you guys having a great time,” shared the artist. He also encouraged students to “practice and play every day. Get perfect at your craft and then network. That’s my advice to you.”

James conversed with students about life during quarantine, encouraging them to persevere through their online classes. Events like this are a great way for the Rider community to come together and maintain the social aspect of their college experience while staying safe and healthy.

James even hinted at the possibility of coming to campus in the fall to share an in-person show with the Rider community.

The show ended with a preview of James’ new single “Love Hangover” coming out soon, and words of encouragement to students going through the pandemic. He lifted their spirits, reminding them that “this too shall pass.”

Quarantine Survival Guide: Devon Werkheiser to appear on 107.7 The Bronc’s “Quarantunes”

While he is known for his acting role in the hit show “Ned’s Declassified,” Devon Werkheiser is just as passionate about music as he is about acting. “Whether you guys hear it or not, I will make music for the rest of my life,” said Werkheiser. Rider students can witness Werkheiser’s musical talents firsthand during his upcoming “Quarantunes” appearance. by Christian McCarville

Unfortunately for campus life at Rider, the coronavirus (COVID-19) caused a large number of cancellations and implications. However, on-campus organizations have adapted to these unforeseen circumstances in incredible ways. One of the most notable examples of this is 107.7 The Bronc’s “Quarantunes.” “Quarantunes” is a 60-minute concert held virtually over Instagram live. It is designed exclusively for Rider students and viewers can interact with the performers and request songs.

The first edition of Quarantunes featured Sam James, a singer/songwriter who has been on both “The Voice” and “Songland”. The next episode of “Quarantunes” will take place on April 16 at 7 p.m. The episode will feature Devon Werkheiser, who many will recognize from Nickelodeon’s “Ned’s Declassified.”

107.7 The Bronc had an exciting event with Werkheiser planned for the second half of the spring semester. It was supposed to be a Q&A style event where students would have the opportunity to interact with Werkheiser and receive advice from him, similarly to how Ned Bigby would give advice in his school survival guide.

Junior TV, film and radio major Anthony Collesano is the head organizer for the Devon Werkheiser event. He explained the process of reaching out to Werkheiser and bringing him to Rider.

“I grew up watching Ned’s Declassified,” said Collesano. “When I saw an advertisement for Werkheiser’s Life Survival Guide, I took the opportunity to reach out to him. I honestly didn’t expect a response but he emailed me back the same day Drake Bell performed at Cranberry Fest.”

From there, Collesano and Werkheiser remained in contact to set up everything for the impending event.

Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, this event was unfortunately rescheduled and then postponed to the fall. Those still interested in attending can look forward to the rescheduled date of October 22.

107.7 The Bronc @1077TheBroncFM

Devon werkheisher is still virtually coming! Give us a follow on Instagram and come out to our live on April 16th, at 7pm

10:56 AM - Apr 13, 2020

While many recognize him for his role as Ned Bigby, some may not be aware of Werkheiser’s music career. He had released several EP’s and a full-length album in 2016 titled “Prologue.” Earlier in March, Werkheiser released two singles titled “Miles” and “Revolution.”

“My music means a lot to me,” said Werkheiser. “It is another major part of who I am, other than acting. It’s something that I need to do in my life. Whether you guys hear it or not, I will make music for the rest of my life.” He went on to passionately explain the message of his music and the intended effect that he wants his art to have on listeners.

“It’s about bringing people something that feels good, something that they can get through a tough day with,” said Werkheiser. “Something that can leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. Something that connects you to your feelings.”

Werkheiser also mentioned an upcoming EP that he is starting to release, which will include his recent singles. He explained that the EP was entirely crowdfunded by his friends and fans. He also spoke about his incredible musical opportunity to open up for Seal on his latest tour.

“Last summer I got to open up for Seal who I had grown up my entire life listening to. They were the biggest shows of my life. Playing those shows was incredible getting to open for such a world-renowned artist who I love,” said Werkheiser.

With music being such an integral part of Werkheiser’s life, it is no surprise that he was asked to be a guest on 107.7 The Bronc’s “Quarantunes”. Viewers can expect Werkheiser’s original music along with some possible covers and fan requests.

Werkheiser’s “Quarantunes” performance will be held on 107.7 The Bronc’s Instagram page (@1077TheBronc). Those in attendance will be able to use Instagram live’s messaging feature to interact with him.

Werkheiser’s “Quarantunes” performance is a testament to how well Rider students have been adapting and making the most out of the constrictions of remote learning.

Collesano said, “This situation taught me to think on my feet and to be persistent with what I want to achieve.”

“I’ve become a stronger leader and a better planner as a result of this.”

Sports

Senior guard Stella Johnson has a chance to get drafted to the WNBA on April 17. Photo by Carolo Pascale/The Rider News Reliving the best season in Rider women’s basketball history

By Dylan Manfre

Around April 2019, Head Coach Lynn Milligan called the six seniors of the women’s basketball team into her office to discuss goals for the upcoming year.

Nobody could have predicted that the coronavirus would cancel the conference tournament and that Rider would be named the conference champion via Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference bylaws.

Regardless, Milligan does not want the global pandemic ending the season to overshadow any of the team’s accomplishments.

“I want this whole group — and in particular the seniors — when they look back on this [season] and we are in a situation to celebrate this year on the fifth anniversary, 10th anniversary and 25th anniversary of our first-ever MAAC championship that this group remembers the history we did make and not how it ended,” Milligan said. “I want this season to be defined by the process and the journey from July through the beginning of March.”

Rider needed to defeat Monmouth in the final game of the season to win the first regular-season title in program history. After Akilah Jennings hit a mid-range jump shot to take a one-point lead, the Broncs had 0.5 seconds to come up with a play.

Senior guard Amari Johnson rolled off a double-screen and tipped an inbound pass from junior forward Daija Moses securing the victory. “[That shot is] what I’ve dreamed about since I started playing basketball, my very first game-winner, and it couldn’t have come at a ‘better’ time,” Johnson said.

Johnson was an intricate part of the team’s success this season and she progressed as a double-double machine. She led the conference with 16 of them and evolved into a dominant rebounder, all en route to being named the MAAC Defensive Player of The Year.

“I’ve grown exponentially this season. I set a goal for myself and achieved it. I worked hard every day to be the player I have become and I’m very proud,” Johnson said.

Rider Women’s Basketball @RiderWBB

WIIIIIIIINNNNNNNN!!!!! Amari finishes off the Stover feed. Broncs are your 2020 MAAC Champions!!! #GoBroncs #maAChoops20 #BroncsToTheBoardwalk

6:53 PM - Mar 7, 2020

Senior guard Stella Johnson helped focus the nation’s attention on Rider after leading the country in scoring 15 out of 18 weeks of the season, ending the year at 24.8 points per game.

Stella Johnson is the greatest women’s basketball player to put on a Rider uniform. It’s baffling that earlier in the season she felt she did not know just how good she really is.

This season, she became the program’s all-time leader in steals, points and was the only active women’s Division I player to surpass 2,000 points, 700 rebounds, 400 assists and 300 steals.

Rider Women’s Basketball @RiderWBB

STELLA JOHNSON is The 2019-20 Women's #MAACHoops Player of the Year!

#GoBroncs #BroncsToTheBoardWalk

11:07 AM - Mar 11, 2020

Stella Johnson had an unorthodox farewell to her collegiate career but it ended with a sensational scoring performance that fans grew accustomed to seeing from her.

Even after she slammed her head on the hardwood as she fought with a Niagara player for a loose ball, she finished the game with 37 points — a MAAC tournament single-game record — and 14 rebounds. Stella Johnson said she was at peace knowing she left it all out on the floor.

“It’s just better to end the season on a win and see everybody happy that we won,” she said in late March. “I think that’s just what gave me peace overall seeing that we moved on [in the tournament].”

Over the course of the season, a lot of players stepped up to fill new roles and will be in new spots next year. Here’s a breakdown of the returners that will need to make an impact next year.

Sophomore Point Guard Amanda Mobley

Mobley filled in for Lexi Posset who graduated last year. Immediately, she came into her own and lifted the Broncs to much-needed victories.

Mobley came up with three huge 3-pointers, two of which were from the opposite end of the court to beat the buzzer against Marist. She finished the game 3-for-6 from long range, helping Rider get the overtime victory but the game displayed her poise, confidence and composure to step-up and take contested shots.

Mobley ended the game with her first career double-double as she dished out 10 assists.

She ended the year second in assists averaging 5.3 per game and was 10th in the league in steals. Junior Forward Daija Moses

Moses began the season with the starting group in place of senior forward Lea Favre, who was recovering from an ankle injury. It was a good time for Milligan to assess how she would use Moses in the rotation.

Once Favre was back with the starters, Moses mainly held the sixth spot in the rotation and entered the game if a player got into early foul trouble.

Moses had her best game of the season on Feb. 29 against Canisius where she scored a career-high 13 points. While she will be the lone senior next year, Moses will be tasked with leading a young returning core and will need to have games as she did against Canisius for the team to win some tough games.

Freshmen Center Victoria Toomey and Guard Maya Hyacienth

This freshmen duo did not see a lot of time on the court this season, however, they will in the upcoming year.

Hyacienth came into games mainly for defensive purposes and to lock down defenders in late-game situations. Occasionally she would hit a 3-pointer or two to extend a lead but as a sophomore, she will be expected to do that routinely.

Toomey saw the most minutes of any freshman and at 6-foot-2, she will likely be starting at center next year. However, if she gets into foul trouble it will be difficult to show her improvement.

***

All things considered, Rider will probably not be a top seed in the MAAC next season. Top five or six? Maybe. It will certainly be interesting to see how things play out once sports do eventually return.

Follow Dylan Manfre on Twitter for the latest on Rider Athletics.

The women's track and field team won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship by half-a-point on Feb. 23. Photo courtesy of Rider Athletics Flashback: The wild finish to women’s track and field’s championship win

By Austin Ferguson

With two events to go, it became clear: Monmouth, the six-time defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) champions in women’s track and field, were not going to win its seventh in a row.

“Monmouth was always a team that showed up and competed,” Head Coach and MAAC Coach of the Year Bob Hamer said. “But as the first day wore on, especially after the weight throws, where our women did an outstanding job, that turned the tide for us and gave us some confidence going into the second day.”

Senior thrower Ronetta Hunter, who competed in the weight throw event on the first day, Feb. 22, pointed to weight throws as the moment she knew Monmouth was out of the running.

“I wasn’t really a ranked weight thrower,” Hunter said. “I was mostly [shot put] for the winter. I was really there in case we needed extra points.”

Fellow senior thrower Fidele Jules won the day one event, but she was joined by freshman Natya Glasco and Hunter with sixth and seventh-place finishes, securing 15 total points for the Broncs.

“When Monmouth saw that we were coming for fire… that’s when they went, ‘Oh, crap,’” Hunter said. The only question remaining was who would make the final push to capture the crown, Quinnipiac or Rider?

“We knew going in that Quinnipiac was the favorite to win,” Hamer said. “I had it on my scoreboard that they were going to beat us.”

Headed into the second-to-last event, Quinnipiac held a slim advantage behind six first-place finishes and the numbers on Feb. 23 pointed in the Bobcats’ favor.

History, however, pointed toward the Broncs being able to come on top.

Though Rider’s women had only one championship win to their credit, the Broncs’ 2007 title was coupled with 17 second-place finishes since competing for the MAAC championship in 1997, most notably falling 3.5 points short of the title in 2005.

Senior thrower Ronetta Hunter. Courtesy of Rider Athletics

The weight was quite literally put on the shoulders of Hunter, who was set to compete in the shot put event. Not only were these throws going to be the last of her MAAC career, but they were undoubtedly the most important with Rider just 5.5 points behind Quinnipiac.

“Initially, things weren’t going well,” Hamer said about the preliminary round of shot put throws. “But [the throwers] knew what they needed to do.”

In the preliminary round of throws, Hunter was focused on making it to the finals. She put out her first shot.

It landed foul.

“That got into my head a little bit,” Hunter said. “I just couldn’t let it take complete control over me and my skill and my mindset. I let it go.”

Hunter’s second throw fared better, landing at 13.52 meters. Her third throw was her best, settling at 13.61 meters, good enough to make it to the finals.

“Going into the finals, I had people ahead of me and behind me [in the standings],” Hunter said. “A couple of girls behind me had good throws the second time around and they got ahead of me.” Hunter’s first throw in the finals went for 13.41 meters, consistent with her preliminary throws, but not far enough to secure the finish she needed.

Sitting in fifth place, Hunter had to dig deep in order to get the points she needed to push to the top of the heap.

“I went away from the crowd, went away from my coaches and teammates, found my corner and just started to talk to myself,” Hunter said.

After talking herself up, Hunter went to the circle for her fifth throw. She launched it for 13.56 meters, which wasn’t enough to leapfrog over the throwers who had recently passed her.

With only one throw left for Hunter for the season and possibly her career, the Broncs’ championship aspirations were in the balance.

Before she could make her final throw, Assistant Coach Anthony SanFilippo pulled Hunter, Jules and Glasco to the side for a quick huddle.

“I remember [SanFilippo] telling us, ‘We need to find five points. Period,’ and I knew he wasn’t trying to put any pressure on us, but I zoned it out. We disbursed, I calmed myself and got myself in the zone.”

Hunter made her way to take her final shot. A large portion of both the men’s and women’s track and field team was roaring in support of her, though it was time for Hunter to focus.

“I am the queen of zoning everything out,” Hunter said. “The people, the noise. What I did hear, though, was [men’s senior thrower] Adam [Maid]. He and I were close when it comes to throwing shot. I heard him say ‘Stay back, stay close.”

Senior men’s thrower Adam Maid. Courtesy of Rider Athletics

Hunter heard Maid’s mantra as she stepped in the circle, making that her focus.

“Just staying back, staying close,” Hunter thought to herself. “Then I just popped the heck out of that thing.”

Once Hunter’s final throw had landed, the Armory Track fell quiet, waiting for a signal from the officials.

“I didn’t care which place I finished,” Hunter said. “I just wanted to get the points for our team.” The officials made the signal. Hunter’s throw was over 14 meters. Hunter did enough to pass those ahead of her and her teammates roared in support. Hunter, however, knew she was not in the clear yet.

Manhattan’s Alexand Preckajlo was next in the circle, where she, like Hunter, threw for over 14 meters.

“I thought two Manhattan girls threw for 14 meters, so to me, I finished in third and that was six points, so that was OK for me,” Hunter said.

Once Hunter had a feeling that she had secured the points her team needed, she retreated back to the corner she found before her final shot.

“I just started crying,” Hunter said. “I was thinking, ‘Gosh, we did it.’”

Just as Hunter was getting a moment to herself, she was in for a bigger surprise. Her teammates and SanFilippo had chased toward her to break the news.

“That’s it,” SanFilippo began to tell Hunter. “You won.”

Hunter was in awe. All she could respond with was a resounding, “What?”

SanFilippo told Hunter, “You threw for 14.12 [meters]. The other girl (Preckajlo) only threw for 14.09.”

Rider XCTF @RiderXCTF

@HunterRonetta WINS the shotput with a clutch throw of 14.12m!! @RIDERATHLETICS

10:15 PM - Feb 23, 2020

y just three centimeters, or just over an inch, Hunter edged out the rest of the field to take first place and 10 points from her final MAAC event.

Hunter and Rider’s win, alongside an eighth-place finish from senior Fidele Jules, added 11 points to the Broncs’ total to 146.5 points, which pushed Rider ahead by 2.5 points after Quinnipiac’s Mikah Maples finished sixth in the shot put event.

Once Hunter settled down, Hamer came to congratulate her on her performance.

“He high-fived me and told me, ‘I’m so proud of you, you really put us in the running for the title,’” Hunter said. “‘But we have to look at the 4×400 and see where we’re at.”

With Quinnipiac sitting at 144 points, a win in the 4×400 relay was the only option to provide a cushion for the Bobcats.

The Broncs couldn’t concern themselves with Quinnipiac’s finish. Rider had to finish in the top two to guarantee victory. Rider’s team of Sophia Castronovo, Farrah Miller, Mary Ilelaboye and Quinn Bethel were charged with the tall task of protecting the lead. “We knew in our heads what we had to do,” Hamer said about the team’s goals headed to the final race. “But that wasn’t what we were trying to do.”

Hamer knew that aiming for second place was not going to do it with the MAAC championship in the Broncs’ fingertips.

“We were trying to win the race. If you try to do something, you won’t always do what you’re supposed to do,” Hamer said. “So we did what we always do: Go out and compete and try to win the race.”

Hunter recalled how close the race was until it got toward the final legs of the race.

“[Quinnipiac] just has amazing runners,” Hunter said. “At that point I knew we weren’t getting first, but I figured, let’s fight for second and see what happens.”

Quinnipiac’s group of Meaghan Scullin, Melissa Solomon, Caitlyn Halloran and Ahmetra Davies proved to be powerful as they finished first in 3 minutes and 50.13 seconds. Rider had one out to win: finish in second place.

“[Trying to win] was freeing for us,” Hamer said. “They knew that every point counted, every second mattered and everyone’s effort together was going to be the difference.”

Six seconds ahead of the six-time defending champions, the Broncs followed the Bobcats by just two seconds, finishing in 3 minutes and 52.45 seconds, a Rider record.

Rider XCTF @RiderXCTF

The Women’s 4x400 of Castronovo, Miller, @Mary Love99 and @QuinnBithell finish 2ND in a time of 3:52.45! An ECAC qualifier and school record! @RIDERATHLETICS

9:57 PM - Feb 23, 2020

Following the end of the relay, the coaches came into a huddle to tally up and double-check the scores.

“I saw coach just started to jump up and down, then he came and gave me a big hug,” Hunter said. “He started to cry and he told me, ‘Kid, we won by half a point.’”

Quinnipiac finished with 154 points, Rider with 154.5. By just one half of one point, the Broncs took home their first MAAC championship in 13 years in the numerical equivalent of a photo finish.

Rider XCTF @RiderXCTF

Capture it, Remember it!! MAAC Indoor Track & Field Champs!!@riderathletics

10:19 PM - Feb 23, 2020 · New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory

“We knew going into that huddle that we had won the meet,” Hamer said. “Once the athletes started to take on to our cues, it became ‘Holy crap, we actually did win this thing!’”

Hunter’s first instinct after learning the news was to call her mother.

“Mom,” Hunter had started, crying. Her mother cut her off.

Her mother asked, “What happened Ronetta? What’s wrong? Don’t beat yourself up too much.”

“I’m not crying because of that,” Hunter responded. “I’m crying because we won! I’m crying because your girl finished in first place!”

Hunter’s mother was ecstatic. “Oh, my gosh!” Hunter’s mother let out. “I was praying for this!”

Hamer was amazed by the circumstances in which Rider took home the MAAC trophy.

“You could nitpick through every point, they were all obviously important,” Hamer said. “There were so many things to set it up so that [Hunter] could have that cool moment.”

In the end, Hamer saw the ending of the MAAC championships as a prime example of why he and most other athletes play in the first place.

“This is what makes sports great,” Hamer said. “You don’t know how it’s going to end. When we dream, we don’t dream of the big moment and have it not work out… it’s like when I was a kid playing baseball, I dreamed of going up to the plate in the World Series and hitting that walk-off home run.”

The final memories of Hunter’s track and field career are sure to last, thanks to a miraculous comeback that she was at the center of.

“It was a night to remember,” Hunter said. “It’s a moment I will never forget.”

Opinion

photo credits: creative commons Sustainability and social distancing

If you are like me, the transition to life at home has been rough. Trying to balance remote learning, a job and the massive information overload in the media is hard. Relearning how to live with siblings and parents under one roof again takes time and can be stressful. In fact, it often feels like a tug of war for your attention. Everywhere we turn there are news articles to read, class assignments to complete and obstacles to tackle.

As much as we are interested in sustainability, it is hard to stay informed because it feels like information overload. How do we manage this overwhelming influx of information? How do we find time for ourselves and still be sustainable?

Senior elementary education and history major and special education minor Lauren Dessel was asked how she is balancing her new online workload with life at home. “Balancing online learning and daily life has been an adjustment. I truly miss the face-to-face interaction with my professors. I have so much that I want to say but am not comfortable with the Zoom environment yet to speak up,” she said. “Online learning has given me the opportunity to have more time with my family. We take walks around the neighborhood every day. It has opened up a new hobby for me which is reading. I never liked to read before but now I have really enjoyed it. Lastly, I have also had the opportunity to do what I love, which is puzzles.”

While there is more time to spend with our family, it can be difficult to balance the workload, especially for students with no prior remote learning experience.

A key way to manage time is to plot your time. By outlining the times you are busy with work or classes, you can find openings in your daily schedule for downtime. You can even block time for an activity you love to help reduce stress. This process can be “green” too. A whiteboard can be reused and updated as plans and assignments change. Reusable notebooks and planners like Rocketbooks also keep it “green.” Reusable planners prevent your plotter from becoming cluttered and overwhelming. An electronic calendar is an alternative that eliminates the need for paper. Pairing this option with the web browser “Ecosia,” which donates 80% or more of its profits to non-profit organizations that focus on reforestation, is a great way to support environmental efforts.

Another great technique to manage assignment due dates is to create to-do lists. List all of your assignments by date then create “to-do now” and “to-do later” lists. Checklists are helpful because they enable the organization, motivation, productivity and more time to be creative. By focusing less on remembering what needs to be done, there is more time to accomplish your tasks and spend time on yourself.

It is also important to take time during the day for self-care. Having a calmer mind-frame enables students to be more productive. Some sustainable ways to destress include picking up or ordering seeds to plant a vegetable or herb garden, taking walks with roommates and/or pets, reading a new book in the sunlight, trying out a vegetarian or vegan recipe, playing a board game or watching a film with an environmental focus.

Rider professors are also finding time to focus on their health and wellness as evidenced by Tricia Nolfi, assistant professor II and program director of Masters Organizational Leadership and Higher Education Assessment, Analytics and Change Management.

Nolfi discussed the main ways she is using her time to enhance her health.

“There are two things that I am making sure that I do. The first is that I am making sure I am connecting (phone/video chat) more frequently with those closest to me. Times like this I need to be connected to my tribe,” she said. “The second thing that I am doing is giving myself permission to be stressed about what is going on and be distracted at times. I certainly have lots to do, but that doesn’t mean I should ignore how I am feeling about what is going on. I’m cutting myself some slack.”

With so much going on, it can be challenging to take some time for yourself. Classes are overwhelming and the world is in turmoil, but that just means taking time for you is even more essential. Whether it be mindful meditation, video games, puzzles or chatting with friends, find something you enjoy and take time out of your day to do it. Be your best self, do not forget to cut yourself some slack and stay green.

Danielle Balsamo

Graduate Assistant

photo credits: creative commons Animal Crossing crossing new horizons

As kids, our parents would always tell us to turn off our video games and go outside. Today, we are told to stay inside our homes for the safety of others. With all this extra time on our hands, all we want to do is be outside. The recent release of the video game series Animal Crossing: New Horizons has given users the chance to be outside and with friends virtually while keeping everyone safe and distanced. The release of this game could not have been more timely.

The New York Times even has something to say about the classic game series.

“The game is played at a relaxed pace, in which the player can do as much or as little as they want on any given day. Upbeat acoustic jams or sultry bossa nova synths play in the background.”

That could not have been put into better words. Players can pay off their house debt when they want, spend all day decorating their island or go fishing until their heart’s content. The game has given me the opportunity of stepping out of such a dark time and putting myself into a personalized happy place with friends.

Players can create a more unique island by making their own tune or designing their own flag. The scenery is another way of making the game personalized and manipulated. Many players have based their islands off of pop culture references, favorite aesthetics or the countries they live in. The game does not just allow the chance for you to hang with friends, but even includes fun seasonal activities to keep it new and exciting. The two most recent seasonal activities have been announced on Nintendo’s Twitter account.

“The [hashtag] #AnimalCrossing: New Horizons Bunny Day event is on now through 4/12! Search for Bunny Day eggs and use them to craft special DIY projects!”

The Animal Crossings Easter Bunny goes by the name of Zipper. This event allowed players with limited edition decorations for their house and fun Easter outfits for their character to wear. However, the only way you can make these items is with themed Easter eggs. Zipper places eggs around your island in places such as rocks, trees, the ground and you even have the chance of catching one when you go fishing!

Fishing itself is another special event that the player can participate in.

“Once you’ve had enough time to settle into your island life, we’ll start holding events for island residents,” Nintendo said, “Indeed, Fishing Tourneys will be held on the second Saturday of April, July, October and January.”

In this event, players are put to the challenge of catching as many fish as they can in three minutes. When the time is up, the player can sell the fish to the host of the event, CJ, and exchange points they have received to get limited edition fish items. Players can receive prizes such as wallpaper, bags, umbrellas and many more.

While many, such as myself, have been playing with friends to try and improve our islands, one couple decided to completely move their wedding into the virtual world. On the same day, the wedding was supposed to occur, the Washington Post described the set up of the virtual wedding.

“The arrows led Asha through the town, where she picked up flowers Ahmed had left along the path, and up to the beach where their friends were waiting with their own Animal Crossing characters.” said The Washington Post. “Ahmed had planned a surprise beach wedding within the game.”

I had always taken hanging out with friends in person for granted but going virtual was not something I had expected to happen so suddenly, along with being quarantined. It is nice to still be so close to my friends while keeping our distance.

Cassandra Stathis

freshman English major

The Rider News 4/22/2020 digital edition

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Members of the Rider Community,

The student staff of The Rider News will continue to provide ongoing coverage related to campus news, sports, features and entertainment, and opinion, through a fully digital, online publication of our weekly newspaper, through April 29.

This Week's Stories

News

WCC students step into leadership roles in SGA As WCC students prepare for their move to the Lawrenceville campus next semester, some were elected as senators in SGA and one will now serve on the organization’s executive board. (By Stephen Neukam)

The Rider News wins awards in collegiate newspaper competitions The Rider News added to its collection of awards, winning a number of marks in two regional competitions. (By Tatyanna Carman)

Remote technology helps connect admitted students to the Rider community amidst pandemic While the coronavirus has complicated the recruiting and commitment process for many universities and students, Rider’s admissions office is trying to make it easier for prospective students to connect with the Rider community via technology. (By Tatyanna Carman)

Rider clubs and organizations detail how they are operating during a pandemic Some clubs and organizations are continuing to operate through the coronavirus pandemic, and it is a connection that is helping them get through trying times. (By Hailey Hensley)

Rider’s Model United Nations team wins awards at conference After its national conference was canceled, Rider’s Model United Nations team still brought home a couple of awards from the competition. (By Lauren Minore)

Features & Entertainment

Rider alumnus continues to work on self-made podcast during pandemic A Rider and Rider News alumnus, Rob Rose, created a podcast to help guide and give advice to young people trying to break into the sports media world. (By Cassandra Stathis)

Cabaret shines a light on the topic of mental illness An emotional and powerful cabaret by Broncway reflected on mental health and hope for online viewers. (By Jason Mount) Devon Werkheiser gives advice to students and plays his “Quaratunes” for fans “Ned’s Declassified” star performs for fans on 107.7 The Bronc’s “Quarantunes” series. (By Christian McCarville)

Sports

Toomey’s blog aims to inspire during pandemic When time opened up for freshman center Victoria Toomey after students were sent home from campus, she began writing to make sense of the pandemic and open up about mental health. Now, fans can read her thoughts on her own blog. (By Dylan Manfre)

Rider to expect two more players out, three more players in Changes continue for the men’s basketball team, with more departures and commitments made over the past couple of weeks. (By Austin Ferguson)

Earlier this week, Dylan Manfre reported that Stella Johnson was selected by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2020 WNBA Draft.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Rider’s economic woes are self-inflicted After Rider’s financial future is thrown into flux with the coronavirus, professor Art Taylor says most o the damage is self-inflicted. (By Arthur Taylor)

Letter to the Editor: A message of hope and validation for those struggling with their mental health amidst COVID-19 While some struggle with mental health issues during the pandemic, many understand and empathize with their position. Sravya Gummalur explains where to go if you need help, and words of encouragement and hope. (By Sravya Gummaluri)

Green Corner: Earth Day and crafting for a good cause As Earth Day rolls around during a pandemic, how you can participate and craft for the cause. (By Alina Bardaji)

We encourage you all to follow The Rider News on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for breaking news, stories, and updates. If you wish to subscribe to our digital email list, for weekly emails with links to our stories and updates, please fill out this form with your name and email address.

The staff of The Rider News wishes you all health and wellness during this unprecedented, historical time. Thank you for your continued support and readership of our publication.

Sincerely, Stephen Neukam and Lauren Minore Executive and Managing Editor of The Rider News

News

WCC students step into leadership roles in SGA

Courtesy of Stephanie Jessiman Lawrenceville SGA created six senate seats dedicated to Westminster Choir College students in legislation last fall.

By Stephen Neukam

As elections for Student Government Association (SGA) unfolded last week, some Westminster Choir College (WCC) students found themselves vying for leadership positions on a campus that they do not currently call home.

However, with the consolidation of WCC from Princeton set for September, students from the choir school ran in elections for the Lawrenceville campus. While there were six senate seats open exclusively for WCC students due to legislation passed last fall by the Lawrenceville SGA, students were also able to run in elections for the executive board.

When results were announced, all six of the senate seats had been filled and even more were able to be appointed to leftover seats that colleges around the university were unable to fill. One WCC student, junior musical education major Morgan Cerbone, was elected to the executive board.

Junior musical education major Morgan Cerbone was elected as the vice president for student affairs, making her the only WCC student on SGA’s executive board.

Cerbone, who was a part of SGA at the Princeton campus, said that her original plan was to become the student body president at WCC but decided to run for vice president for student affairs in Lawrenceville.

Her election to the position makes her the senior-most figure for WCC in SGA. It is a responsibility she is looking forward to.

“I always wanted to be president of our student body, but now I get to be in a leadership role for Westminster [and also] get to have a leadership role with Rider students and I get to build a brand new rapport with students I haven’t met,” said Cerbone.

Cerbone said that one of the big fears that many WCC students have is that they will not feel included in the Lawrenceville community. She said that she has immediate goals to make the transition as easy as possible, including making sure events and social gatherings take place that make the campus feel like one student body. At the same time, Cerbone is taking a “big picture” approach and wants to make sure that the culture of WCC is sustainable and enjoyable for a new group of the school’s students.

“I think [the move] will be good at least within a few years because the freshman class coming in, they had all of their auditions and all of their new student days — those have been on the Rider campus so they’re signing up for this,” said Cerbone. “They’re excited about that campus; they’re excited to be a part of Westminster at Rider. Even though a lot of our students have negative thoughts [about] it, I mean it’s sad to say, but sooner or later we’re going to graduate out and then we’re going to have a fresh face for Westminster.”

Cerbone said she was surprised when she won because of the quality of the students she was running against. However, when the results were announced, it was also revealed that around 75% of WCC’s student body cast votes, which accounted for 21% of the total vote.

The vote also lifted freshman sacred musical major Jordan Klotz to one of the six senate positions that were open for WCC students.

Freshman sacred music major Jordan Klotz was elected to one of the six senate seats allotted for WCC students.

Klotz, who is the president of the freshman class in Princeton, said that he felt running for the senate position was the best thing he could do for the school and that SGA was the best venue for WCC students to accomplish what they want to see done in Lawrenceville.

The biggest concern for Klotz is making sure that facilities are in place for the choir students to succeed. Much of the equipment and buildings at the Princeton campus are specialized for choir practices and individual training. While Rider has committed to some investments into infrastructure as part of its $16 million to $20 million consolidation plan, Klotz said those facilities are simply not on campus yet.

“Currently, as we stand, we don’t have those things in Lawrenceville,” said Klotz. “We need to have those things as soon as possible.” Both Cerbone and Klotz said they were excited to get to work with Student Body President-elect and junior musical theater major Dylan Erdelyi.

Erdelyi, who was instrumental in the legislation to accommodate WCC students into SGA, said that his goal was to make student government the most effective vehicle for students to accomplish their goals on campus.

“With what we have in place right now, I think the structure is going to work quite well,” said Erdelyi. “We have the WCC Transition Committee… and that’s going to be the central place where all of those [WCC] senators and, in addition to them, fine and performing arts senators, where they can all sit down and talk about any problem, big or small, and have that accountability.”

The Rider News wins awards in collegiate newspaper competitions

Courtesy of Rider University

The Rider News hosts meetings every Wednesday and constructs the weekly newspaper on Mondays and Tuesdays in the basement of Ridge House.

By Tatyanna Carman The Rider News won numerous awards from the New Jersey Press Foundation (NJPF), and one by the regional Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) on March 21.

Executive editor Stephen Neukam won first place in the breaking news category for the regional SPJ’s Mark of Excellence Award for the article “71 WCC students sue Rider.” As a result, his piece will compete with other regional winners at the national level.

Executive editor, Stephen Neukam

The Rider News received second place for the best overall website by the NJPF.

“I am so grateful for the work that our entire team puts in weekly. All of our individual and collective awards this year are a testament to the diligence and hard work that we put forward all year long,” Neukam said.

Sports editor Dylan Manfre won second place web project for his article, “Meet the Van Ommerens” story/display from the NJPF. He said that being a part of The Rider News has been the most rewarding part of his college experience.

Sports editor Dylan Manfre

“I am extremely humbled to win second place in web project because of the work I put into this story,” he said. “I loved sharing Kiki van Ommeren and Tess van Ommeren’s story about how they played together for the first time and why they love field hockey so much. It means the world that the NJPF recognized my story as second place. I am extremely thankful for everybody who reads The Rider News’ content.”

Neukam, Managing Editor Lauren Minore and News Editor Tatyanna Carman received second place for enterprise/investigative reporting for the articles, “Dean’s denial ignites debate about his reputation” and “Administration reveals the cost of consolidation plan at private WCC meeting” from the NJPF.

Neukam, Minore, Carman and News Editor Hailey Hensley, won third place in the web project category for the ongoing “Westminster Report” from the NJPF.

“I am humbled to have received an award this year along with our Executive Editor, Stephen Neukam, and our News Editors, Tatyanna Carman and Hailey Hensley,” Minore said. “I cannot say enough great things about these journalists and our organization.”

Managing editor, Lauren Minore

Minore shared how proud she was of The Rider News staff on their dedication and efforts each week in publishing the newspaper. She also said that being the managing editor at the publication has been one of her “greatest academic and professional experiences at Rider.”

Neukam said, “…Our community deserves the most comprehensive and honest news possible and that is what we try to deliver. I am so proud of the work we did through turmoil, controversy and periodic hostility this year,” said Neukam.

Remote technology helps connect admitted students to the Rider community amidst pandemic

Courtesy of Rider University Admissions staff discuss the lengths they go to help prospective students’ decision to go to Rider.

By Tatyanna Carman

The Office of Admissions is creating ways for admitted students to connect to staff and faculty to accommodate them during the pandemic.

Admissions anticipates an enrolling freshman class of 826 students.

Rider has also extended the deadline for deposits to June 1, which was a decision made by many other colleges as well “to give students more time to make the best decision for their college career,” according to a statement from Director of Undergraduate and Transfer Admission Susan Makowski, Dean of Enrollment Susan Christian, Vice President of Enrollment Management Drew Aromando and Associate Vice President for University Marketing and Communications Kristine Brown.

(Left to right) Director of Undergraduate and Transfer Admission Susan Makowski, Dean of Enrollment Susan Christian and Vice President of Enrollment Management Drew Aromando

Kristine Brown, Associate Vice President for University Marketing and Communications

In the statement, the administrators said that the Office of Admissions has hosted a virtual admitted students day, a virtual Musical Theater Bronc for a Day program with two informational sessions and a Virtual Admitted Student Breakfast Receptions for students in Baccalaureate Honors Program (BHP), Business Honors Program, Milestone Scholars Program and transfer students, to name a few. Admitted students are also able to interact with people in various specialty programs through GroupMe, and there is a request form on the Rider website that lets admitted students connect with members of the campus community through Zoom, phone or email, according to the statement.

Rider University @RiderUniversity

Future Broncs, there are a number of ways to connect with Rider remotely. Our admissions counselors are available to answer questions about student life, financial aid, housing, academics, student support services and more. https://bit.ly/2w5lype

2:02 PM - Apr 6, 2020

“The difference being we need to use the technology we have available to us and connect with students where they are in the process of their college decision,” the administrators said. “We are conducting most of our sessions through Zoom, using all the proper security precautions, breakout rooms, waiting rooms, and so forth.”

There are also virtual events that are being planned such as academic question and answer sessions, admitted student information sessions, welcome parties and an open house which will operate as a week of events, according to the statement.

Tour guides are also doing their part in helping prospective students. Junior elementary education major and tour guide Jenna Dean said that the admissions staff have also been posting on the class of 2024 Facebook page with Facebook live videos, videos of campus and updates on anything incoming students could need.

Jenna Dean, junior elementary education major and tour guide

“My duties have changed immensely, but my role has mainly stayed the same — tell people why Rider is the school for them…,” Dean said. “It is definitely an adjustment for everyone, but I think we are working hard to make the outcome the same.”

She also said this period is difficult because it makes the college decision “much harder for students, as they may end up committing somewhere they’ve never been before.”

Sophomore computer science major, tour guide and Bronc for a Day coordinator Elizabeth O’Hara shared the same sentiment and compared the college decision process now to when she was a senior in high school.

Elizabeth O’Hara, sophomore computer science major, tour guide and Bronc for a Day coordinator “Interactions with faculty, current students and even other admitted students was the make or break for me, and the atmosphere told me whether or not it was a great fit,” she said. “With all the uncertainty that comes with not being able to finish senior year of high school, I think it is important for admitted students to remember that there are so many ways they can make an informed college choice.”

O’Hara stressed the importance of the Bronc for a Day pairing and said that with the online format, schedules become a little more flexible and students can continue to talk to the right people. She also said that Facebook lives and the “Why Rider?” videos, where tour guides and alumni make videos on why they chose to attend the school, allow student workers to share their stories, which she said is the most important aspect of any campus tour. O’Hara also suggested keeping these online resources after everything returns to “business as usual.”

“These options are an equalizer for students who cannot easily access campus,” she said. “Although we love meeting students in person, providing a wide range of digital content can help us move one step closer to Rider’s commitment to inclusive excellence and ensure that no student is at a disadvantage.”

Rider clubs and organizations detail how they are operating during a pandemic

Photo courtesy of Rider University Rider clubs are continuing to hold a wide variety of events through Zoom and other video chatting platforms. By Hailey Hensley

Students all over the world are facing new challenges in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Student leaders in particular face the unique responsibility of guiding their club or organization through completely uncharted territory.

Many clubs and organizations on Rider’s campus are still running, at least to some capacity. Whether that simply be by virtually holding a weekly meeting or having public events over Zoom.

Junior psychology major Ally Ward is the current president of the Rider University Veterans Association (RUVA). Ward says her organization is doing “the absolute best they can” during the circumstances and stressed the importance of staying connected.

Kevin Huong, Ally Ward and Zane Birnie Photo courtesy of Ally Ward

Like all clubs on campus, RUVA had to cancel a significant amount of events, including the Happy to be Here Comedy Show, a fundraiser for the Rider Veterans Fund.

“We [RUVA] have mostly been focused on socializing through Zoom. I hope to keep everyone in touch with each other and keep our group as tight-knit as possible. Everyone needs a friend right now,” she said.

Junior musical theatre major Tessa Douglas is currently the special events coordinator for the Broncway, a student performance group. Douglas says the Broncway executive board is looking at a variety of options to remain involved in the campus community.

“Since the school closed, the board has met weekly to talk about the ways we can engage students virtually. We posted a bingo board on Instagram and are even thinking about doing a 5k,” Douglas said.

Nicole Ragone is a junior psychology major and a member of the Rider University chapter of Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a co-ed service fraternity. Ragone clarified that while APO is much more effective with a physical presence, they are not being prevented from doing service.

“A lot of the community service and work we do does involve physically being somewhere which has caused us to cancel events. We have not been discouraged and found other ways to move forward. We have always had online service opportunities but right now we are utilizing those opportunities more than ever,” Ragone said.

Ragone is also the public relations director of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and stated that having that community available has been a positive force in her life during this time.

“Since school has closed we have been focusing on community more than ever. We hosted a prayer night in order to fellowship and support the campus in this time of need,” Ragone said.

Ward emphasized the importance of having an involved advisor in these stressful times, stating that the advisor for RUVA Thomas Reddington has been “amazing” and very invested in members and all military-connected students.

“Tom [Thomas Reddigton] has reached out to every person individually to check on our mental well-being as well as any needs we might have. He joins our weekly Zoom calls and always asks about our school work and our families,” Ward said.

Douglas clarified that while it was great Broncway is able to continue having some events and student engagement, it is nowhere near the same as being on campus.

“The biggest part of Broncway is putting on shows,” she said. “Nothing can replace that. Nothing can replace something happening live, right in front of you.”

Rider’s Model United Nations team wins awards at conference

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Jessiman/ The Rider News

The Rider Model United Nations team received the awards, General Assembly 2 and High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, for their papers representing Nepal.

By Lauren Minore

Despite not being able to attend this year’s 2020 National Model United Nations New York conference in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Rider’s team was awarded recognition for two position papers representing Nepal on April 9.

The committees representing Rider’s team at this year’s conference that received awards were General Assembly 2 (GA2) and High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).

Senior criminal justice major Toni Davis-Wilson and senior philosophy major Lena VanDam were the delegates of GA2. Junior political science major Ryan Leighton and junior criminal justice Angel Upchurch were the delegates of HLPF.

GA2 and HLPF received awards for their position papers, which are a critical part of delegate preparation, according to the National Model United Nations website.

Writing position papers require delegates “to illustrate their knowledge of the agenda topics at hand, affirm the positions their country takes on these topics and recommend courses of action to effectively address contemporary global problems,” according to the website.

The three topics Davis-Wilson and her partner VanDam were responsible for in their committee were financing for development, information and communications technology for sustainable development and disaster risk reduction.

“Our paper highlighted the various ways Nepal has contributed to fulfilling the United Nations’ goals and encourages other countries to do the same,” Davis-Wilson said. “We emphasized Nepal’s partnerships with [South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation], [World Health Organization] and other international organizations who have helped Nepal to develop the Disaster Risk Reduction National Plan of Action.”

Building partnerships to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children were the topics Leighton and Upchurch were responsible for as delegates of HLPF.

Leighton said, “Our paper was centered around the various partner building strategies Nepal was implementing to act in accordance with the SDGs and also highlighted Nepal’s constitutional protections for children, and the work it has done with various [non-governmental organizations] to forward the effort in ending violence against children.”

Barbara Franz, co-chair of the political science department and faculty advisor for the Model United Nations team, acknowledged the hard work of her students in these committees although they were not able to physically compete in this year’s conference. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leighton

Model United Nations members discussed details about their winning papers and what the organization means to them.

“The team had the opportunity to meet with the entire staff of the Nepalese Mission in February and learned in detail about Nepal’s precarious but aspirational geopolitical status,” she said. “In spite of the looming threat of cancellation the team members did their best to get ready for the debates and speeches for the national competition in New York City.”

Franz said the awards her delegates received acknowledge the hard work undertaken in preparation for the conference, as determined by the committee staff.

Davis-Wilson, who has represented the team for two years at last year’s conference as Viêt Nam and this year as Nepal, said although she was ecstatic with their success as a team, she felt even more grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

“The team has helped me to tackle my insecurities regarding public speaking and help me to develop my performance in a business professional setting,” she said. “I am proud to be a member of Rider’s Model United Nations.”

VanDam said, “Even though the conference in New York got canceled because of the COVID-19 situation, our hard work and preparation did pay off and resulted in GA2 receiving a position paper award. Winning an award in Rider’s name is an honor and reflects the brilliant help and guidance of our mostly student-run team leadership, pushing for excellence.”

According to Franz, this was only the second time in the history of the National Model United Nations’ founding in 1927 that the competition had to be canceled, following a travel ban that canceled the competition in 1945.

“As the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues we hope all nations remember that, like in our conference simulations, the fundamental basis of the United Nations is collaboration and cooperation,” Franz said.

Lauren Minore was a delegate of Rider’s Model United Nations team in 2018 but has not been affiliated with the team since that time.

Features & Entertainment

Rose continues to report on past games and features several guests on his podcast amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Photo courtesy of Rob Rose. Rider alumnus continues to work on self-made podcast during pandemic

By Cassandra Stathis

In 2018 there were over 525,000 active podcasts with 18.5 million episodes. Robert Rose, a Rider alumnus who majored in sports media, took the opportunity to join the popular media platform and created his own podcast “The Sports Media Student Podcast” in 2019.

At Rider, Rose joined the Rider News as a sports editor, was a broadcaster on 107.7 Bronc and was a sports anchor for the campus TV studio.

“I think the combination of lessons learned from professors in the classroom and the first-hand experience I got while in college helped me build a resume quickly and land great internships,” Rose said.

Rose’s inspiration to start his own podcast came from his “desire to learn how to host a podcast and help aspiring sports media students learn how to start their careers.” Along the way, he was able to interact with multiple faculty members that assisted him with his future career.

“I was fortunate to meet a number of professors that helped me land internships and eventually my job,” said Rose. Rose had the chance to make strong connections at Rider by being involved in so many areas across campus and used this ability to help gain interest in his career path.

“I got to reach out to interesting people in the industry to give people interested in sports media an idea of how the people they see on TV or read online got started in their careers,” he said.

Rose went on to discuss how he conducts his podcasts when guests join.

“I start by talking about how the guest started their career, if they always intended on pursuing that path and then close with their advice for students,” Rose said. “The main part of the podcast is specific to the person I’m talking to, but usually comes from things that I have questions about after reading interviews they’ve done or listened to other podcasts they have been on.”

Rose’s podcast, “The Sports Media Students Podcast,” started in 2019 and is his attempt to get others interested in his field. Photo courtesy of Rob Rose. Aaron Moore, an associate professor of journalism, had Rose as a student. Moore described Rose as a “professional, mature and dedicated” student.

“He stood out in the classroom with his professionalism, attention to detail and willingness to learn,” said Moore.

Moore said he found Rose’s podcasts to be a snapshot of his work ethic, and of the things he learned while in school.

“It’s entertaining and an example of the great work he can do just from a communication and delivery perspective but also the insight he has gained about the media industry,” said Moore.

Even with the recent pandemic, Rose continues to work on his podcast by speaking with potential stars and posting snippets of his work on social media platforms.

“I’m still trying to book guests for my podcast, and I started to post highlights from games I covered this year on TikTok to reach an audience of potential sports media students as a way to keep myself busy and grow the podcast’s audience in the future,” he said.

Alongside his podcast, Rose also works for a newspaper, York Dispatch.

“I’m still writing four stories per week and am grateful that I still get the chance to do that,” he said.

Rose stays optimistic and sees his current situation as a time for opportunity.

“I view this situation as a good time for current and aspiring sports media professionals to discover why they want to enter this industry and if they’re willing to make the sacrifices it takes to have a career in sports media.”

“A Light in the Dark” featured several students performing songs about mental health, with special guest Zak Sandler. Photo courtesy of the Broncway. Cabaret shines a light on the topic of mental illness

By Jason Mount

Smiling teachers, giddy students and excited performers all tuned in to “A Light in the Dark,” a cabaret that was held on April 17.

The hour-long performance, hosted by Rider’s student-run performing arts club, The Broncway, focused on mental health and the emotions that come with facing oneself. Around 60 people attended the cabaret, held over Zoom, and listened to a medley of songs that related to each performer’s view of mental health.

Junior musical theater majors Kristen Wisneski and Steven Gagliano opened the cabaret with a few words about “A Light in the Dark” and the inspiration behind it.

“I wanted to bring this up and celebrate mental health during Mental Health Awareness month, which is April,” said Gagliano.

The first performer was Zak Sandler, a professional piano player who has worked for multiple Broadway shows including “Wicked,” “Mean Girls,” “Motown” and “The Color Purple.”

Zak Sandler wrote the musical “Inside My Head” about his bipolar disorder. He performed the first 15 minutes for the cabaret. Photo courtesy of Zak Sandler.

Sandler performed the first 15 minutes of his own musical called “Inside My Head,” a piece about his bipolar disorder. In the snippet, he describes the feelings of depression, mania and paranoia, and even personified them as characters — Doug, Mark and Patty, respectively.

As he performed, Sandler painted a picture of his time in college, the rush of inspiration that comes with finally pursuing a path tailored to his interests and what happened when he first started struggling with his mental health.

“My mind took on a mind of its own,” he said.

Once Sandler finished, all those watching applauded with muted microphones or waved their hands to mimic the sensation. After Sandler was sophomore musical theater major Erica Walker singing “Thursday” by Jess Glynne. As Walker sang lyrics about knowing oneself and wanting to heal, her voice seamlessly transitioned between powerful and soft and back again. She had masterful control over her voice, and mixing it with the lyrical content allowed her to express a vulnerability that makes sense in a cabaret about mental health.

Next was sophomore musical theater major John Viggiano singing “Happy Days Are Here Again” by Barbra Streisand, a number that exuded feelings of victory, as if after a long battle with negative emotions.

It felt as though Viggiano was radiating this positive feeling, and as he performed the song with such conviction, one could not help but believe that better days were on the horizon even in a pandemic. While his connection to the Zoom conference did cut out on the first attempt, his second attempt made everyone quickly forget any such hiccup occurred and the audience was drawn in by the warmth of his song.

Other numbers followed, including “She Used to Be Mine” from the musical “Waitress” sung by junior musical theater major Mac Versak-Kennedy and “Big White Room” by Jessie J, sung by freshman musical theater major Brianna Nicola.

Versak-Kennedy’s performance was sincere and somber as he expressed feelings about a person he used to know, while Nicola’s was a powerhouse number about wanting to experience the world outside of a room she is trapped in. Both pieces had the audience’s full attention, empathetic looks adorning their faces as though they understood the messages of the songs.

Sophomore musical theater major John Ververis was next, singing Demi Lovato’s “Anyone.” Ververis enthralled everyone watching as he sang Lovato’s words about wishing for someone to hear pleas for help, a tune of hope and despair at the same time.

Perhaps it was the moments Ververis breathed deeply or the expression on his face, or a combination of both that seemed to make his performance real and impactful in a way that lasted with the audience long after the cabaret ended.

Finishing off the performances was junior musical theater Katie Collins singing “Bird Set Free” by Sia, another powerhouse piece with a message of setting oneself free and the joy that comes with liberation from dark thoughts.

Before singing, Collins explained why she wanted to sing that song in particular, hoping it would serve to liberate those who listened to it.

“This is an important song to sing because we feel like birds in cages,” Collins prefaced. “But through music and the arts, we can still soar.”

As the music played, Collins sang words about wanting to be free and not caring about the cost, her voice perfectly hitting the highest of notes to sell the excitement and validation of freedom. Smiles adorned the faces of all who watched Collins sing, as though their hearts were given wings as she sang sweet melodies.

Once all the performances finished, there was a quick question-and-answer session with Zak Sandler. The question he felt stood out the most was why mental health matters to him and why he wrote “Inside My Head.”

“Part of it is that… I didn’t know a whole lot about bipolar disorder when I got to college,” Sandler said, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. “I didn’t know how serious it was until now. I could have saved myself a fairly traumatic trip to the hospital.” Gagliano was also asked the same question and reasoned that mental health was a topic everyone should care about.

“For me, it runs in my family, and I think it’s something everyone struggles with at some point,” Gagliano shared. “It’s so hard right now with everything going on, everyone’s feeling it. I think it’s often overlooked and I think we should take it seriously.”

Devon Werkheiser gives advice to students and plays his “Quaratunes” for fans

Using Instagram Live, Devon Werkheiser was able to talk with Rider students and even perform two of his original songs: “Revolution” and “Miles.” These songs will be on his upcoming EP titled “Chapter One.” by Christian McCarville

“I’ve been locked in my apartment with my cat and I’m losing my mind,” said Devon Werkheiser as he kicked off his guest appearance on 107.7 The Bronc’s “Quarantunes.”

Werkheiser is most frequently recognized for his role as Ned Bigby in the hit Nickelodeon show “Ned’s Declassified: School Survival Guide.” In the show, Ned offered advice on how to survive the hardships of school. Through his music and social media presence, Werkheiser continues to give advice to his fans and viewers.

Taking place on 107.7 The Bronc’s Instagram page, Werkheiser hosted a live stream where Rider students could join and talk to him. This live stream is a part of a series of events hosted by the radio station titled “Quarantunes.” The premise of these events involve artists playing live music virtually and interacting with students.

Werkheiser, sporting a Rider Broncs shirt, evidently enjoyed responding to the many comments that students posted on the Instagram live. He delivered a special shoutout to all of the seniors who had their final semester cut short due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

“This is a very fast life change that we have no control over,” said Werkheiser in regard to the social distancing measures that have greatly altered the lives of many. “If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, confused, overwhelmed… that’s appropriate.” Werkheiser empathetically asked the audience how they were doing during these troubling times. He offered advice on how to overcome the emotions that are sure to arise as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

“Do what you can as often as you can to ground yourself,” advised Werkheiser. This includes activities such as meditation and working out.

Audience members also had many questions about “Ned’s Declassified” and Werkheiser was happy to answer them. He even provided fans with an update on the fan-favorite character Coconut Head. Werkheiser explained that Coconut Head is a DJ in Los Angeles and they catch up from time to time.

Werkheiser also told a few stories from his time on the set of “Ned’s Declassified.” Most notably was his experience during the show’s prom episode.

“I was an actor. I was homeschooled and I didn’t have an actual prom,” explain Werkheiser.

Therefore, the prom episode replaced the experience that he had missed out on.

Werkheiser’s appearance was courtesy of 107.7 The Bronc’s “Quarantunes.” Due to implications caused by COVID-19, “Quarantunes” was created as a social distancing concert where artists can use social media to perform and interact with students.

Werkheiser also provided his insightful outlook on fame and the acting industry. Student actors asked questions about the process of securing large roles and being successful as an actor. Werkheiser truthfully spoke on the difficulty of breaking into the acting industry but encouraged all those who had dreams of making a career out of acting.

While Werkheiser did not attend college, he jokingly said that he would’ve majored in accounting. He explained that accountants will always have a secure job, especially compared to the music and acting industry. The accounting majors present in the audience were surely happy to hear this.

“Being an accounting major, it’s a compliment to hear him say that he would have gone to school to learn to account,” said sophomore accounting major Cory Mayo. “If [Werkheiser] ever needs accounting help, we are all here to teach him.”

After answering many comments, Werkheiser began to talk about his music. He explained that the purpose of his music is to express a truth that is meaningful to people. He excitedly told the audience to look forward to his upcoming EP titled “Chapter One” that will be released on April 23.

Werkheiser grabbed his guitar and performed two songs from the upcoming EP. His first song “Revolution” was enjoyed by the many students in attendance. “For all of us solely knowing him from ‘Ned’s Declassified,’ it was weird realizing that he can sing phenomenally,” said Mayo. “You can feel the emotion in his voice and relate to his music. He’s just like us in a way, celebrities are humans too.”

The second and final song “Miles” was written several years ago after Werkheiser had gone on a trip across the country with his girlfriend at the time. On the way home from this trip, he got into an intense argument with his girlfriend. This left Werkheiser feeling an assortment of emotions that inspired him to write the song.

After concluding his performance, Werkheiser brought two audience members onto the live stream and briefly talked with them.

As his time on the live stream came to an end, Werkheiser wished the best for all those going through a difficult time. His empathic advice and passionate music were sure to have a positive impact on all those tuning in to “Quarantunes.” Werkheiser’s admirable positivity was incredibly helpful in making Rider’s quarantined students feel a little less isolated.

Sports

Freshman center Victoria Toomey started a blog where she shares her thoughts on personal topics. Photo courtesy of Victoria Toomey Toomey’s blog aims to inspire during pandemic

By Dylan Manfre

People are deploying every coping mechanism possible to deal with the unknown that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) brought upon the world.

Victoria Toomey, a freshman center on the women’s basketball team, started a blog called “In The Clouds,” where she has been open about her own mental health struggles and navigating college. Writing is her way of making sense of the “new normal.”

Toomey wants her blog to be more of a lifestyle website where she documents what is on her mind and said her target audience is college students or whoever finds her content beneficial.

“Freshman year, especially second semester freshman year, is hard for anyone,” Toomey said via Zoom. “I started to lose interest in a lot of stuff and for me, that’s not normal … I guess I was in just a negative mindset.”

Since the global pandemic gave her more time to spend with her family, that she would not otherwise have because of basketball, Toomey found the extra push to publish her thoughts on topics that are important to her.

“Over the past few years, I’ve always thought about [starting a blog]… it’s kind of like a virtual diary… It kind of got to the point where OK, now that I have the time to do it, maybe it’s time,’ and just take the final push.” She never designed a website before so she used Squarespace, a web-building site, to construct the layout. Toomey fiddled back and forth on possible names with her cousin Molly until they came up with “In the Clouds.”

“Some bring stormy weather. Others paint the sky. Some bring pain and devastation while others can be the most beautiful sight you have ever seen. In the end, the sky always clears,” Toomey wrote in her introduction post.

“My point is that no matter who you are, your journey makes you into that person. Sometimes we have to weather the storm, in order to appreciate the light when the sun comes back out. My inspiration comes from the clouds and I think it is important to look up every now and then when the road straight ahead is daunting.”

Writing is a way Toomey can express herself. She has written in numerous diaries, but nothing ever saw the public eye. She wants people to know it is OK not to be OK.

“It’s definitely important, like for me with the blog, just to let people know it’s OK to have that conversation and to share with people what you’re going through,” Toomey said. “You should be proud for what you’ve made it through… if something that I went through relates to something that’s going on in the world… I definitely want to express that it’s OK to talk about that stuff.”

It took Toomey years to gain the confidence to share her thoughts. She wrote in addition to the diaries, she penned “four-page books,” when she was younger.

But when it came to sharing her own personal struggles, she believed nobody would care what she had to say.

“My concern for a long time was: ‘Who cares what you have to say?’” Toomey wrote in her first post. “That inner dialogue was there every time I read a blog post of an influencer with a big audience. I would immediately shut my idea down. Who would actually want to read about my life?”

Since her site launched on April 14, Toomey has received an outpouring of support from her family, teammates and coaches. Her post entitled “Hi there!” reached almost 1,000 views.

The Rider women’s basketball account retweeted Toomey’s post to its nearly 4,500 followers. Head Coach Lynn Milligan shared the blog as well.

Lynn Milligan @RiderCoachMilli

Vic - always got U! This is awesome. This is what RIDER

#HEARTnSOUL is all about. Strong young women who know who they are and are not afraid of the journey. #proudofU https://twitter.com/victoriatoomey7/status/1250834537707384832 …

Victoria Toomey @victoriatoomey7

https://www.inthecloudss.com/blog/adjusting-to-the-new-normal …

3:36 PM - Apr 16, 2020

Freshman guard Sophia DeMauro posted on Instagram encouraging others to check out her teammate’s blog and commended Toomey’s courage for sharing about her struggles.

“I thought [the posts] were amazing,” DeMauro said via FaceTime. “I like how she talked about, in the first post, of the meaning of ‘In the Clouds.’ … she just has a way of describing what that means and it can be an inspiration to someone else reading it.” DeMauro lives on Staten Island, New York, an area where COVID-19 had infected just over 10,000 people as of April 19, according to the New York City Health Department.

She said reading Toomey’s posts helped her find some happiness during this dark time.

“She sums it up really great and I think it’s really great to read while we’re all trapped in the house anyway,” DeMauro said. “She has a lot to write about.”

She thinks that Toomey’s blog ultimately will help others as well.

“Some people when they go through something they keep it in, this is a good way to let out whatever she is thinking about the book she’s reading or whatever she’s doing at home,” DeMauro said. “She can write it in this blog and it can help somebody else reading it.”

Toomey plans on writing posts about how she spends her time in quarantine and things to do inside. She said her younger sister Ciera makes great music playlists and that may be a future blog post too.

Maybe it is a good idea to take a step back from everything going on and look up in the clouds like Toomey does.

Follow Dylan Manfre on Twitter for the latest on Rider Athletics.

Frederick Scott announced on April 9 that will graduate and transfer to Boston College. Photo by Carolo Pascale. Rider to expect two more players out, three more players in

By Austin Ferguson

In what has already been a busy offseason for the Broncs, the men’s basketball team had five more transactions since the announcement of redshirt junior forwards Dimencio Vaughn and Frederick Scott’s transfers on March 27.

Since The Rider News’ last analysis of transfers and additions, five incoming freshmen have signed their National Letters of Intent (guards Corey McKeithan and Jaelen McGlone and forwards Nehemiah Benson, Jordan Smalls and Lawrence Foreman), making their commitments to Rider official.

“We’ve very excited to be bringing in some talented players,” Head Coach Kevin Baggett said on April 15. “They’re freshmen and there’s a lot to be learned. But we think they’ll all have great careers at Rider.”

In that same time span, three more players have verbally committed to Rider, coupled with a pair of Broncs announcing that they entered the transfer portal.

Departures

Redshirt sophomore Tyrei Randall Clues of Randall’s transfer were clear on April 4 when he made a post on his Instagram story and said, “It’s been real Rider… time for the next chapter.”

On April 10, Randall made another post on his Instagram officially announcing that he was entering the transfer portal.

“Would like to thank everyone at Rider University, would like to thank my coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play at their program,” Randall said in his April 10 post. “Time to move onto the next chapter. Always gonna love playing in the ZOO.” Randall started his freshman season with plenty of playing time off the bench, enjoying a three point-per-game average and a healthy 42.6% from three-point range in 2017-2018.

Randall was redshirted for the 2018-2019 season, keeping him away from the court for a year. A suspension to begin the following season for breaking team rules delayed his return even longer. Randall’s eventual return brought some improvements to his game, though limited playing time left questions about what his ceiling truly was.

Freshman Khalil Turner

In what was a guard-heavy lineup in 2019-2020, Turner did not find a lot of time on the court, only playing in 13 games. Aside from 15 minutes of action in his first game against Delaware State, where he made the only shot he attempted, Turner averaged just under 3.5 minutes per game, missing all five shots he took in that 12- game span.

On April 15, Turner announced his intention to transfer from Rider through Instagram.

“I have officially entered my name into the transfer portal,” Turner’s Instagram post caption said. “I want to thank Coach Baggs [Baggett] and his staff for looking after me this past year. I am excited for what’s to come.”

Additions

Incoming freshman shooting guard Elijah Perry, St. Thomas More School (Conn.)

St. Thomas More Basketball @STMCT_BBALL

Congrats to our point guard, Elijah Perry ‘20, on his commitment to Rider

University! @RiderMBB #GoChancellors

4:21 PM - Apr 12, 2020

On April 12, St. Thomas More Basketball’s Twitter account announced Perry’s commitment to Rider.

A native of Queens, New York, Perry spent most of his high school career at Holy Cross High School in his home borough.

In the Under Armour Rise summer circuit, Perry finished sixth in 17U points per game and second in threes made per game, averaging 17.7 points per game and four made threes per game.

Elijah Perry @eli yrb

2:37 PM - Mar 18, 2020

Perry is a two-way player that will bring a degree of handling, shooting and defense to the Broncs for next season.

Sophomore point guard Dwight ‘D.J.’ Murray, University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) (Texas)

DJ Murray @lildwight 23

Blessed to announce I will be playing for Rider University next fall #gobroncs

1:26 PM - Apr 4, 2020

Murray announced on his Twitter on April 4 that he was transferring to Rider from UIW.

Due to NCAA transfer rules, the Atlanta, Georgia, native will have to sit out the 2020-21 season but will be able to play the two seasons after.

In his sophomore season at IUW, Murray averaged 9.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 31 games, 12 of which he started in. Murray’s potential shines through his averages, boasting game-highs of 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Murray also has the potential to be a workhorse for the Broncs, highlighted by 39 minutes of play against Central Arkansas on Dec. 18, 2019.

DJ Murray @lildwight 23

Sophomore Season Link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6nXpa5iPE2s …

7:36 PM - Mar 27, 2020

Sophomore power forward Dontrell McQuarter, Hinds Community College (Miss.)

Hinds CC Sports @HindsCCSports Congratulations to Dontrell McQuarter (@Dj1McQuarter) on his commitment to Rider University! @HindsCC MBB @yusefjcksnHinds @JonNevol Hinds

4:05 PM - Apr 15, 2020

McQuarter, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a much-needed boost to the Broncs’ frontcourt, which is left only with sophomore forward Ajiri Ogemuno-Johnson and redshirt freshman forward Tyrel Bladen before new additions.

In his sophomore season, McQuarter averaged 15 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, shooting 53.4% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. If he is able to translate his junior college success at Rider, he is sure to insert himself into the Broncs’ starting lineup come the start of the 2020-21 season.

Senior guard Stella Johnson became the first Rider women's basketball player ever to get drafted to the WNBA. Graphic by Gabriella LaVerdi

Stella Johnson selected by Phoenix Mercury in WNBA Draft

By Dylan Manfre

The nation’s leading scorer and Rider women’s basketball program legend is making the jump to the WNBA.

Rider guard Stella Johnson was selected by the Phoenix Mercury with the 29th overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft on April 17. The draft was conducted virtually because of the coronavirus and broadcasted on ESPN.

She was on a Zoom call with her teammates and the incoming women’s basketball commits when she saw her name appear on the lower part of her TV screen.

Dylan Manfre @Dylan Manfre11

BREAKING: @RiderWBB guard Stella Johnson has been selected with the 29 overall pick in the #WNBADraft by the @PhoenixMercury

8:37 PM - Apr 17, 2020

Even though she is from a mid-major school, she wants Phoenix to know she can play with the best in the league.

“When I go into training camp — hopefully, there is one — even though I’m from a mid-major, I can still play with the best freakin’ players in the country,” Johnson said via Zoom. “I just want to show them that I can actually play and they can’t judge the school I came from.”

Head Coach Lynn Milligan also believed Johnson was overlooked in the draft.

“All we needed was to hear her name and kudos to Phoenix for doing some homework behind the scenes and giving Stella the opportunity to show what she can do,” Milligan said.

Johnson is the first Rider women’s basketball player to get drafted to the league.

“For her to go [from] where she started and to end up being drafted by the WNBA, says something about Stella,” Milligan said. “I think it says something about how we do things at Rider. Like Stella said, she may have been looked over from the name on the front of her jersey but … there’s a lot of great mid-major players out there that all they need is an opportunity.”

Milligan said that when she sent information on Johnson to WNBA teams throughout the season, Phoenix always responded.

Milligan said that one of her first orders of business, when she is allowed to return to Rider, is to retire Johnson’s No. 4 jersey.

Last season the Mercury went 15-19 led by Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Being with players of their caliber has yet to set in for the new WNBA rookie. They also acquired

“I think it set in, when I first saw Phoenix, the first person I thought of was Taurasi,” Johnson said. “You always see her on the court and on the TV. Just seeing them in person I’m going to be a bit starstruck at first but I’m going to have to cut that out real quick.”

Phoenix Mercury ✔ @PhoenixMercury

With the 29th pick in the 2020 #WNBADraft, the Phoenix Mercury select Stella Johnson from Rider University!

Welcome to PHX, Stella!

9:35 PM - Apr 17, 2020

Phoenix also selected Jocelyn Willoughby at No. 10 overall, Te’a Cooper at No. 18 overall along with the reigning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Player of the Year.

Johnson led Rider to its first conference title and NCAA Tournament berth during her senior season.

Johnson sat atop the NCAA scoring ladder for 15 of the 18 weeks in the regular season, ending the year at 24.8 points per game.

READ: Stella Johnson: Rider basketball’s GOAT

During her senior campaign, Johnson became Rider’s all-time leader in steals and passed Debbie Snyder for most career points.

She ended her career with 2,167 points. She also holds the record for most points scored in a single game (41 vs. Lipscomb) and in a conference tournament game (37).

Those 37 points concluded her illustrious career at Rider after the coronavirus canceled the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament on March 12 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Johnson was not heavily recruited out of high school and Rider was the lone program to offer her a scholarship. She wants this moment to be an example that kids don’t need to go to the most well-known schools to be successful.

“If you got to a school that just has, like the shooting gun, or just has the assets for you to be able to work, I think you can make your dream happen with anything,” Johnson said.

Follow Dylan Manfre on Twitter for the latest on Rider Athletics.

Opinion

Moody’s downgrade of the school’s bond rating is an effect of the WCC sale and Rider's financial instability.

Letter to the Editor: Rider’s economic woes are self- inflicted

On April 6th, Moody’s bond rating service downgraded Rider’s current bond issue. This move was not unexpected given the university’s increasingly challenging financial position. But it is important to note that, contrary to some reports, Rider’s bond rating is not being downgraded due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The seeds of Rider’s financial predicament pre-date the current pandemic by several years. As Moody’s report indicates, the financial information which formed the basis of the report consisted of audited financial statements ending with the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

First and foremost, Rider’s current financial predicament is almost entirely self-inflicted. The misguided efforts to sell the land on which Westminster Choir College (WCC) resides has cost the school approximately $11 million as of 2019, and approximately $6 million of that loss is recognized as a yearly loss as deducted from Rider’s income. This is an opportunity cost — what could have been part of Rider’s current revenue stream but is not there as a consequence of the decision to try to sell the college.

So when the Moody’s report identifies ‘declining enrollment’ at Rider as a financial issue, it is important to note that the bulk of Rider’s declining full-time student enrollment is directly attributable to the decline in enrollment at WCC. At this point, enrollment at WCC is approximately half of what it was before current President Greg Dell’Omo came to Rider, and as reflected in annual revenue which would be generated by those missing students, that is approximately $6 million per year in lost revenue.

The other leg of Rider’s shaky financial stool is the excessive debt incurred to build, or as Dell’Omo likes to refer to it, ‘invest’ in capital improvements to facilities. The stated goal of this building was to attract students, and since it is positioned as an ‘investment,’ we should assume it was expected to produce more revenue for the institution. As the Moody’s report clearly indicates (but does not state), this ‘build it and they will come’ approach to boost enrollment at Rider has failed, enrollment is not increasing, and as a consequence of the borrowing, Rider has a $6 million per year cash expense to service (or ‘pay off’) the debt incurred to make these capital improvements.

The sum total of these administrative decisions — the additional debt, the expensive effort to sell a college and its donated land, and the resulting decline in enrollment from those actions — have both increased expenses and reduced revenues, thus creating a ‘financial pinch’ which is leading to the losses which the Moody’s report identifies. And once again, these are not environmental impacts on Rider’s finances, these are simply bad decisions which have had a severe impact on Rider’s finances.

What is shocking is that Rider’s administration wants to compound these failures by accumulating another $25 million to $35 million in debt to replicate WCC’s Princeton facilities on the Lawrenceville campus. This would only compound Rider’s current financial predicament. WCC’s enrollment decline would continue since the Princeton campus and its facilities are part of the draw for that college and moving those programs to the Lawrenceville campus where the facilities to service that program is substandard will only continue to dissuade potential choir college students from enrolling. Furthermore, the $25 million increase in debt incurred to duplicate facilities already on the Princeton campus would be more expensive (the interest rate would be higher) because of the bond ratings downgrade and the increased debt would burden Rider with an additional $2 million to $4 million in cash debt service payments annually.

While it is management’s purview to run the institution as they see fit, it is the purview of the other stakeholders at the institution to criticize them when they see strong indications of failure. The Moody’s downgrade is a clear affirmation of the years of criticism leveled at Rider’s senior administrators for their reckless actions concerning WCC. The downgrade is a powerful public statement that Rider’s senior administration and board of trustees must stop the excessive spending on unnecessary building projects, end the disruptive actions which continue to impact enrollment (and revenue) and begin to run the institution with some degree of financial pragmatism.

Arthur Taylor

Professor, Information Systems and Supply Chain Management Department

A message of hope to persevere through this global pandemic

Letter to the Editor: A message of hope and validation for those struggling with their mental health amidst COVID-19

If you or anyone you know is struggling please reach out for help. See here and here for resources suggested by Rider University’s Counseling Services.

Why is it important to talk about COVID-19’s mental health implications?

Struggling with my own mental health during the outbreak of this pandemic, I questioned the lack of conversation about the mental health implications coronavirus (COVID-19) could have on the population. Holding more conversations about how this pandemic could potentially impact mental health in the workplace, in virtual classrooms, and in households is crucial. It is also important for parents, professors and employers to show extra flexibility and understanding during this time and to provide their children, students and employees with crisis resources. Behind the scenes, individuals may be struggling with issues they do not always want to come out and share, but showing those same individuals that you are there for them as a source of support can make a significant difference in how they cope. Having conversations on mental health is always important, but even more so now during this pandemic.

At the onset of the pandemic and stay-at-home orders, I quickly came to the realization that most events and activities I planned for this year would either have to be canceled, postponed or moved to an online format. I was devastated. A few days later, I found out my local gym would be closed. For someone like myself who uses exercise as a coping mechanism, the closing of gyms gave me much fear and anxiety, and my feelings of loss of control were exemplified. At first, I avoided accepting what was happening by sleeping more often than usual, avoiding my usual responsibilities and trying to turn to humor to alleviate the pain I was feeling. But that feeling of dread still remained. Because of the prolonged nature of this quarantine, I, like many others, had to reassemble a survival kit filled with new coping skills because I no longer had access to coping mechanisms I depended on the most.

Some days are fine as I adapt to this “new normal,” but other days, I feel the sadness all over again. I gave a name to what I was feeling: grief. Grief over feeling trapped with my thoughts, and grief over losing moments in my life that meant the world to me.

Many others are currently mourning the loss of different events and their life before COVID-19. For someone whose sense of purpose is centered around school, or their job, for example, not having access to these activities could result in someone losing that sense of purpose, according to Dr. Dana Garfin. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention writes that grief can linger around certain moments and memories. It is natural to be mourning your losses during this current time. Your losses may include a job, school, seeing loved ones or other meaningful things. As with any loss, it is OK, natural and healthy to be grieving. Grief could take a backseat in your mind when you may feel like you are getting used to your new life during this pandemic, but it can also come in waves and suddenly the feelings of loss, sadness, anger and heartbreak can overwhelm you all at once. It is then valid if you are feeling sadness or devastation around things like certain places you used to love visiting on campus, or a friend or colleague you did not get to say goodbye to. Whether you are feeling isolated, anxious, depressed, angry, not much different than you usually did before the pandemic or a mix of emotions throughout the day, you are allowed to feel however you want to feel. You are still important and your mental health still matters.

Living in the age of COVID-19 simply is frightening. There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and there is no definite deadline of when our lives will return back to “normal.” Not to mention that it is nerve-wracking watching the hundreds of thousands of people suffering from COVID-19 around the world and seeing the number of deaths from COVID-19 related complications continue to rise. In addition to uncertainty and fear, sudden disruption of a routine according to mental health experts has the potential to increase feelings of grief, anxiety, frustration and depression.

In a CNBC article, Darcy Gruttadaro, the director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Center for Workplace Mental Health states that “There is a real concern that we will see widespread anxiety, PTSD, depression, high suicide rates and a high incidence of substance abuse.”

This pandemic can make it more difficult for those already struggling with their mental health as well as for those who have not struggled with mental health previously. For example, those who had mental health concerns prior to the pandemic might be facing heightened symptoms due to isolation. An individual in recovery from an eating disorder or substance use disorder could be more prone to relapse during this time. Specific at-risk populations such as individuals in domestic violence situations may be even more susceptible to abuse given the fact that they are now forced to spend prolonged amounts of time with abusers in the same residence. This, in turn, could negatively impact their sense of safety and security, increasing their struggles with mental health.

Those who have not experienced severe mental health issues previously might currently be experiencing an elevated sense of anxiety, loneliness, depression or grief. This can include those working on the front-lines who are afraid of catching or carrying COVID-19 and possibly bringing the illness home to their loved ones. This can also include college students who may now be facing feelings of increased anxiety, due to the inevitable stress that comes with having to complete the rest of the semester remotely, the feelings of loneliness and sadness that could result from not being able to physically interact with friends, professors and others in the social circle they used to see on a daily basis, financial concerns, and changes to their living situation. While higher levels of painful emotions can be normal during a pandemic, it is also important to seek help from a professional when elevated levels of anxiety or depression severely impact your daily functioning.

BuzzFeed News reports that mental health professionals are saying that the pandemic could negatively impact individuals who used social contact as a main coping skill in recovery and treatment. With social distancing –or better put– physical distancing for about a month now, it is justifiable that people may feel lonely being physically unable to see friends and family. Humans are social creatures and crave connection and physical touch. What we are experiencing is a “collective trauma.”

What is “collective trauma?”

According to Dr. Dana Garfin, “collective trauma” in reference to this pandemic can be the overall experience of social distancing and being in quarantine. While using the term “collective trauma,” however, it is important to remember every person’s experience is unique, based on current living situations, socioeconomic status, physical and mental health, and other factors. For some, life changes may be more magnified than others who might not really feel much of a difference in their daily lives as a result of this pandemic. But everyone, no matter how much or how little certain aspects of their life have been affected, deserves to be heard and treated with kindness.

I stress the importance of talking about the implications this pandemic can have on mental health (and available resources) for those struggling in conversations about COVID-19 because I know from my own experience, processing my struggles with others is helping me get through this difficult time. Knowing that there are still mental health resources available helped me regain a sense of safety and support in my life. According to many experts, this pandemic can and will have a long-lasting trauma on the population. Resilience may play a factor because experts also say that most people are resilient and will be able to bounce back from this trauma. It is vital to start focusing on the population’s mental health now so that when the time comes and this pandemic is over, too many people do not feel as though they cannot bounce back from this pandemic. And for those individuals who do need extra support to rebuild their lives after this pandemic, we must make it clear that there is support and help available.

How can we stay hopeful amidst COVID-19?

1) An article written by the American Psychological Association suggests that it is important to maintain social connections while being physically distant. For many with mental illness it is natural to isolate, but now more than ever it is necessary to try to hold on to those social connections as much as possible, whether it is a phone call, a text or connecting through social media. Even going to class or work through Zoom can help if that is something that helps you stay connected to others.

2) Focus on what you can control during this difficult time. A great deal can seem to be out of your control right now. What is currently in your control? Examples of things you are able to control can even include getting enough sleep, practicing safe social distancing, making yourself your favorite meal, getting some exercise and talking to your friends and family. Remember that it is OK if you do not get to something such as an assignment when you were planning to. Please be gentle and compassionate with yourself. You are doing the best you can right now.

3) Write down a list of goals or revise your goals for this year. What can you still accomplish or achieve in your life regardless of the pandemic? What can you look forward to?

4) If you do have extra time, focus on a new activity or hobby that you have been wanting to try such as baking, painting, running, etc. 5) Check-in with your friends and loved ones often, especially those you know struggle with a mental health disorder. People who are isolating may seem to want to be left alone, but a kind message asking how they are doing could mean the world to them. It could also help you to connect with someone.

6) Validate each other. If a friend, loved one, student or colleague opens up to you about their struggles during this time, validate what they are feeling or going through. What may seem little to you, may mean the world to that person. Part of being here for each other includes listening to others non-judgmentally as they open up to you.

7) Try to focus on altruism and kindness for your fellow human beings. What can you do to help others? Whether it is checking-in with a loved one, sharing an inspiring quote with others, donating to your local food bank or making and donating face masks, you can make a difference in a person’s life. This, in turn, may give you more hope and increase a sense of social connectedness.

8) Focusing on gratitude for yourself, your health, others in your life and the little things in life such as appreciating nature, has been found to improve physical and psychological health according to “Psychology Today.” Research also suggests gratitude can decrease feelings of depression and create more feelings of happiness and joy.

9) Limit your exposure to the news or other sources of information about COVID-19 and make sure that when you do watch or read the news, you have access to reputable and reliable sources. It is incredibly important to stay informed to make sure that you are staying safe, healthy and are following all the new policies in place, but it is also important to set some limitations on how much media you consume. For some people, however, watching the news might give them a sense of control over what is going on. It is important to figure out what makes you feel the most at ease and follow that for yourself.

While we are in fact not able to see each other physically, the kindness and love for fellow humans have been demonstrated in various ways, which give me some hope among the sadness and chaos. Individuals are reconnecting with old friends, people are helping each other by sewing and donating face masks and restaurants are giving out free food to those who need it, to name a few positive actions that are occurring. Though it may seem like our physical connectedness as humans are temporarily not present, we are now more socially connected than ever and with the help of one another, we can overcome the long-lasting impact this pandemic can have on us. I am wishing everyone much peace, safety and health during this difficult time. Please reach out to a mental health professional or a mental health hotline number if you need to. We will all get through this together.

Sravya Gummaluri

B.A. in Psychology an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rider.

Celebrating Earth Day by creating sustainable masks to protect the spreading of germs amidst the Coronavirus.

Green Corner: Earth Day and crafting for a good cause

As remote learning continues for Rider University and other colleges across the country, for some, it still remains difficult to grasp our current situation. For others, however, it is a moment of reflection on how human beings treat our planet, and what better day to reflect than Earth Day?

Fifty years ago, on April 22, 1970, roughly 10% of the U.S. population took to the streets to protest environmental ignorance and inaction. It was this day that had grown to become recognized by millions as one of the largest civic events in the world and has sparked hundreds of other movements, laws, and legislation. Although we may not be able to express our passion for this day out in the street or on the campus green, digital Earth Day events are sweeping the nation and coincidentally, large numbers of people are taking up sustainable hobbies and crafts. Some are even a necessity, such as the growing need for face coverings.

Face and surgical masks have become scarce. Most stores are now closed. What else can you do but make some yourself? Before the spread of coronavirus became severe, it was recommended by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention that individuals only wear face coverings if they are sick or caring for someone who is sick. However, those guidelines were modified to include anyone who must venture outside for whatever reason, especially if they were to be around larger groups of people.

Many individuals, like senior secondary education major Sean Hubert, have begun to understand the importance of being able to fashion your own, and coincidentally sustainable, face masks at home. He elaborated on the process explaining that he “had some solid fabric at home, but actually had to go out and get some more as the demand rose.” What started as an idea to sew his own face coverings for his outings, grew into a mini business to benefit others. It does not need to be complex, either.

“I make my own pattern which I trace, cut out, pleat and sew. Now it doesn’t take much time to make them because I have it down to a system,” Hubert clarified when asked about his process. These homemade face coverings have been distributed and sold to members of his community, with the help of his mother, and all they need is some fabric and a sewing machine.

People are repurposing fabrics of all kinds, from small towels and t-shirts to old bandanas and scarves. Many of these items most likely would have wound up in the trash, due to the temporary closure of countless businesses that accept your old clothing. In an unexpected way, homeowners are learning one of the most critical components of sustainability: reusing what you already have.

Assistant Professor in the Department of Theater and Dance Robin Shane has also been making masks.

“I am someone who only feels ‘normal’ when I’m making things. As a costume designer, I’m often drawing or fitting or stitching costumes, and I also like to make quilts (when I have time.) With theater basically canceled and the need for masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, I delved into my cotton fabric stash and have been making masks for friends and family. I have used up all of my fabric and elastic, but I have had friends donate bags of their own fabric stashes for me to use. I have run out of elastic, so I use hair ties (ones lying around and then I bought some). I am enjoying combining fun, bright fabrics for the fronts and the lining and trying to make something beautiful out of a horrible situation. Hopefully, it is helping! I don’t ask for money for them. I ask people to donate to The Actor’s Fund which is an organization that helps people in the Theatre Community. I’m creating, and I’m helping people… it’s a win-win,” Shane explained.

We have been faced with an unimaginable situation. Businesses closing down, some permanently, people forced to distance themselves from friends and family and classes now all online. However, while we seem to be mostly isolated from the outside world, parts of nature have begun to heal, as it seems our footprint on the world has been forced to shrink. We cannot ignore the monumental losses in biodiversity and rising temperatures, but we have been given a chance to step back and take note of the part we have played in these crises.

Junior environmental science major and chemistry minor Carissa Moore suggests that “now is the perfect time to recognize Earth Day since we can see it in a light we haven’t seen in decades. Celebrating it will hopefully sway people to be more aware of their actions in the future.”

Earth Day was created to draw attention to human impact on the environment. It was created 50 years ago out of the hope and determination of countless individuals to ignite change. If we channel that kind of drive, just imagine the incredible metamorphosis our planet could undergo.

Alina Bardaji,

Rider Eco-Rep

The Rider News 4/29/2020 digital edition

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Members of the Rider Community,

This is the final digital edition of the academic year, but student journalists may continue to post significant breaking news and sports articles on the website over the summer months. We encourage you all to follow The Rider News on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for breaking news, stories, and updates. If you wish to subscribe to our digital email list, for weekly emails with links to our stories and updates, please fill out this form with your name and email address.

This Week's Stories

News

Administration begins initial phases of pandemic economic response Rider has started to unveil its response to the financial damage that the coronavirus pandemic has caused, including a 25% salary reduction for the president and a 10% reduction for senior leadership. However, specifics of a long-term plan have not been revealed and indications are it will have a far-reaching effect across the university. (By Stephen Neukam)

University administrators announce the date for commencement and President’s Award recipients After commencement for both the Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the university has announced new dates this fall for graduation. (By Austin Ferguson)

University suggests students on campus wear masks in dining areas Rider has issued a recommendation to students still on campus to wear facemasks in dining areas and at food pickup. (By Tatyanna Carman)

University weighs the costs and benefits of mandating “Enriched Career Experiences” A proposal to mandate that students complete more focused career-based experiences has been tabled after concerns over demand on students. (By Hailey Hensley)

Features & Entertainment

Comments from quarantine: Students tell their stories Snapshots from Rider students in all different situations because of the virus. From a frontline worker to a student all the way across the country, read their stories.

From EOP student to the program director: A year in reflection Reggie Walker started as an EOP student at Rider. After more than a decade away from the university, he came back to lead the program that he cared about so much. What his first year was like, and what he plans to accomplish in the future. (By Giavanna Troilo)

Senior dance major modify capstone performance into unique virtual experience These senior dance majors had to think on their toes and turn their capstone performance into a virtual experience. What it took and the emotions behind their final project. (By Christian McCarville)

Center for International Education announces 2021 faculty-led programs Something to look forward to: CIE has announced faculty-led programs for 2021. (By Megan Raab)

Sports

Relive the top moments in athletics from 2019-2020 Sports Editor Dylan Manfre takes readers through his top sports moments from the year — from a women’s basketball record breaker to a championship nine-peat for a MAAC dynasty. (By Dylan Manfre)

Greg Ott: Rider Athletics’ behind the scene hero Although sometimes unseen behind the scenes, Sports Communication Director Greg Ott is a crucial part of Rider Athletics. His background in the field and his life-long love for sports inspires his work. (By Shaun Chornobroff)

Opinion

Life at a distance The impact that the pandemic has had on students is unique — and it’s okay to not pretend everything is okay. Opinion Editor Qur’an Hansford runs through the stress that social distancing has caused her. (By Qur'an Hansford)

A senior’s life at home While the pandemic has halted the senior years of so many students, this is a price we must pay to stay healthy, says Entertainment Editor Jason Mount. But, when social distancing is over, the celebrations and reunions will be much, much sweeter. (By Jason Mount)

Can digital learning save the environment? As social distancing has forced people apart, could we learn something important from remote instruction? (By Emma Harris)

The staff of The Rider News wishes you all health and wellness during this unprecedented, historical time. We are a resilient community — that's part of being a Bronc. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Stephen Neukam and Austin Ferguson Executive and Managing Editor of The Rider News

News

Rider has begun to unveil an economic response plan in the aftermath of the coronavirus. Some of its decisions will have long-term effects throughout the university. Administration begins initial phases of pandemic economic response

By Stephen Neukam

As the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the university’s pocketbook become more clear, Rider has started to reveal the beginning phases of a financial response to the pandemic. However, a larger response that may have a far-reaching impact across the university has yet to be implemented.

Rider’s administration followed suit of many schools around the country, as university President Gregory Dell’Omo announced on April 27 that he would take a 25% salary reduction for six months, beginning May 1. His senior leadership team, which includes deans and his cabinet officers, will take a 10% salary reduction during the same period.

Further details, however, are more ominous. In written statements to The Rider News, both Dell’Omo and Chief Financial Officer Jim Hartman previewed briefly what might be necessary steps for the university to take.

Dell’Omo and Hartman both declined repeated interview requests and instead their written statements were issued through Vice President for University Marketing and Communication Kristine Brown. While Rider has committed to paying staff through June 30, Hartman said, “We have a fiscal responsibility to evaluate all options necessary to strengthen Rider’s financial position, and are currently assessing cost-saving measures in July and August to address COVID-19 related costs and lost revenues this fiscal year into next year.”

The Rider News @theridernews

Rider President Gregory Dell’Omo and members of his administration unveiled current projections of a multi-million dollar budget deficit for the current fiscal year. By @StephenNeukam1. https://www.theridernews.com/dellomo-administration-address- economic-and-enrollment-challenges-at-spring-faculty-town-hall/ …

Dell’Omo, administration address economic and enrollment challenges at spring faculty town hall -... By Stephen Neukam At a faculty town hall meeting on Feb. 27, Rider President Gregory Dell’Omo and me theridernews.com

4:41 PM - Mar 9, 2020

The university has also instituted a general non-faculty hiring freeze, Dell’Omo announced.

COVID-19 has disrupted a university financial model which Hartman said was “fragile” before the pandemic and is now forcing the administration to make “difficult decisions to ensure a sustainable future.”

Rider has been faced with declining enrollments, continued net revenue decline and consistent budget deficits, which precipitated the bond credit rating business Moody’s to downgrade the university’s revenue bonds to junk status earlier this month.

The Rider News @theridernews

This pandemic may have a lasting effect on Rider’s economic future, after Moody’s downgraded the university’s bond rating last week.

The action, though, was a result of Rider’s overall financial outlook and not just anxieties spurred by the virus.

: http://bit.ly/2XEWQHE

11:14 AM - Apr 15, 2020

COVID-19 is expected to exacerbate this problem. According to Dell’Omo, deposits for next year’s freshman class are “slightly behind” where they were last year, although he did not give a specific amount of deposits. The university has already anticipated that the cost of scholarships it will give in 2021 will be $85 million, up from $78 million this year. If enrollment in the freshman class dips due to the virus, it may cause additional damage to revenue.

The administration is projecting a $12 million deficit for the current fiscal year, with most of the increase attributable to room and board reimbursements, according to Brown.

Associate Professor in the Sociology and Criminology Department and Contract Administrator and Chief Grievance Officer for Rider’s American Association of University Professors Chapter Jeffery Halpern said that the room and board refunds are the biggest immediate challenge Rider will face.

The Rider News @theridernews

In light of Rider University’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, university officials announced a plan to offer refunds or financial credits for students who were billed room and board and meal plan charges for the spring 2020 semester.

: http://bit.ly/3epMOjA

Rider develops plan for partial housing and dining refund -

The Rider News By Lauren Minore In light of Rider University’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19 theridernews.com

11:42 AM - Apr 14, 2020

“I don’t know exactly how much [the refund will be] but some of it will have to be absorbed by the school and I expect a large portion of it will be absorbed by the [food vendor] providers,” said Halpern.

Where Rider has strayed from some other universities in its response to the coronavirus is its decision to continue forward with capital projects. The university has made millions of dollars worth of investments into infrastructure on its Lawrenceville campus. Some of the projects, including ongoing work on Gill Chapel, Omega House and plans for a large extension to the Fine Arts Center, are crucial to the school’s plan to consolidate Westminster Choir College (WCC) from Princeton to Lawrenceville.

While the administration has said these projects will continue, the virus has thrown funding for the Fine Arts extension into question. According to Brown, the bond issue that was approved by the Board of Trustees in March, which was intended to fund much of the WCC transition and other projects, has been put on hold because of the virus. To fund the initial phase of the transition, the administration is attempting to redistribute some of the resources intended to finance the renovation and addition to the Science and Technology Center.

Hartman made clear in his written statement that this is a fluid situation, saying, “as this pandemic ebbs and flows on a daily basis, we will regularly assess their progress and make decisions accordingly.”

Halpern said that while it is important to grow the WCC program on the Lawrenceville campus, it would be irresponsible to risk the much-needed work on the Science and Technology Center to expedite the consolidation. Instead, he said the administration should consider putting a moratorium on the capital projects and utilize the Princeton campus for the fall semester.

“We have all the facilities in place on the Princeton campus,” said Halpern. “You could call a moratorium, say ‘we’re going to put it off for a year and see where we’re at.’”

The impact of COVID-19 will be softened a bit by the $3.64 million Rider will receive from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Hartman said a plan to utilize these funds is being finalized. Rider revealed on April 28 its plan for room and board refunds and credits. Students who received scholarship aid for room and board from the university will not be eligible for the refund. The credit can be applied to future university costs or sent as a check in the mail or received through an eRefund account.

What the university plans to do for the fall semester has yet to be revealed. Halpern said that he wished there was more faculty involvement and input in the decisions going forward.

Professor of Organizational Behavior and Management Emeritus Gerald Klein said that Rider should make a decision soon about the fall semester and advised that the school should continue remote instruction.

“The university should probably prepare to operate online in the fall,” said Klein. “With the possibility of, if things develop well, that students could be brought back on campus at some point in the fall.”

As the effects of the virus play out, in his written statement to The Rider News Dell’Omo said he understands the situations everyone has been placed in are tough. However, he said the sacrifices made today are essential to returning to a normal routine.

“I am confident that we will return to our pre-pandemic lives at some point and all of the special qualities our students and employees love about Rider will be enjoyed again,” said Dell’Omo. “We will all have to adapt to a yet undefined “new normal,” but students can be assured when the time is right, Rider will be here, just as it has for the past 155 years, ready to provide the transformative in-and-out of classroom experiences we are all committed to.”

The deans of the Norm Brodsky College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Human Services were contacted for comment for this article, but the university said the statements from Brown would serve as its response and the deans would not be answering interview questions.

University administrators announce the date for commencement and President’s Award recipients

By Austin Ferguson

University President Gregory Dell’Omo announced that commencement will take place for Lawrenceville students on Nov. 1 and WCC’s commencement will take place on Dec. 12. Rider University President Gregory Dell’Omo announced planned dates for commencement ceremonies for both campuses in an email on April 22.

In the message, Dell’Omo announced that commencement for the Lawrenceville campus is planned for Nov. 1 at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey, while Westminster Choir College (WCC)’s commencement is planned for Dec. 12 at the Princeton University Chapel.

“This year, we all know things are different, and we had to make the disheartening decision to postpone our celebrations from the traditional dates in May,” Dell’Omo said in his email. “More than ever, I believe the symbolic occasion of graduation is important to our community.”

Commencement ceremonies were originally planned for May 15 for WCC and May 16 for the Lawrenceville campus before the postponement of both ceremonies was announced on March 17.

According to senior political science major and senior Class President Charles Palmer, who was a part of the student group who assisted the administration in picking dates, the decision to plan commencement ceremonies for Nov. 1 was to tie it into homecoming weekend.

“Commencement is a day everyone looks forward to,” Palmer said. “I think it perfectly ties into homecoming weekend because it also gives people an incentive to come back.”

Senior film and TV major Paige Ewing, who is the outgoing SGA president and was also part of the student group, said, “Homecoming for many schools is a time that alumni get to connect back to their roots… we all wanted to come back anyway because we all need the chance to say goodbye to our home and to fully step into that alumni position.”

Senior music major Kate Smith noted that WCC’s rescheduled commencement was intentionally set for the night of Readings and Carols, an event marked by a large alumni presence similar to homecoming weekend.

“[Readings and Carols weekend] is already such a magical experience,” Smith said. “So to make it an even more special weekend is going to be awesome.”

For the original commencement dates of May 15 and 16, the university has plans to create “celebratory videos” to commemorate graduates on commencement ceremonies’ original dates.

“While [the videos] are in no way meant to be a substitute for an actual commencement ceremony, I do hope they will offer a timely way to celebrate all that is simply remarkable about our Class of 2020 and create engagement opportunities in this socially-distanced environment,” Dell’Omo said in his message.

Though commencement ceremonies have new planned dates, Dell’Omo noted in his message that there is still a possibility that effects from COVID-19 could postpone both ceremonies again.

“These in-person commencement ceremonies have been planned with the assumption that we are able to return to large in-person gatherings by that point in time,” Dell’Omo said. “Should the coronavirus pandemic continue into the fall, we will need to re-evaluate this once again.”

According to Dell’Omo’s message, diplomas for graduating students will be mailed to them during the summer, while academic attire for the ceremony will be given closer to the planned commencement date.

Preceding the announcement of the new planned commencement dates was the announcement of the winners of Rider’s President’s Award from Vice President for Student Affairs Leanna Fenneberg On April 17, Fenneberg announced in an email to the university community that Smith, Palmer and Ewing were honored with the President’s Award for the class of 2020.

WestminsterChoirColl @WCCNJ

Congratulations to Kate Smith, WCC's recipient of the Rider University

President’s Award, the University's elite student leadership award, recognizing an outstanding student who exemplifies academic performance,

extra-curricular achievement, and service to the college. #wccproud

4:44 PM - Apr 18, 2020

“It really embodies the balance between academic success and leadership and social service to the university. For me, it’s that last hurrah in my four years at Rider,” Ewing said.

Palmer said, “Winning the President’s Award has been the honor of my lifetime, but this award [alone] doesn’t define my college experience. The experience that I’ve had inside and outside the classroom with mentors, faculty and administration…The friendships and mentors that I’ve gained long after I leave Rider, those are what defined my college experience.”

Traditionally, winning the President’s Award would bring up the experience of a convocation ceremony for Smith, however, due to school closings, Smith will not have that experience. “The convocation ceremony is just really beautiful, so it’s usually about that ceremony and being around my classmates and sharing that moment with them,” Smith said. “But since I wasn’t able to have that ceremony, I mostly just think about the experiences I’ve had with my classmates in general.”

For Palmer, the President’s Award is not the only thing he has to look forward to on commencement day. Palmer has also received the honor of being the commencement speaker.

“As commencement speaker, my message to the class will be one that is about our experiences,” Palmer said. “Our graduating class will have left our legacy at Rider and we will be remembered far after we are gone.”

Dell’Omo made an emphasis in his email that commencement is a monumental event that can not be taken away from the students.

“Coronavirus may have changed the way we gather to celebrate the Rider University Class of 2020,” Dell’Omo said to end his April 22 email. “But it will never stop us from acknowledging this life-changing milestone in the lives of our students.”

University suggests students on campus wear masks in dining areas

By Tatyanna Carman

Carolo Pascale/The Rider News The Student Health Center was one of the offices that were involved in the decision process to recommend that students on campus wear masks while in dining areas.

Rider University recommended that students wear face masks when entering Daly Dining Hall.

The suggestion was implemented as a result of Gov. Phil Murphy’s mandate to wear face masks in all dining venues, according to Associate Vice President for University Marketing and Communications Kristine Brown.

Kristine Brown, Associate Vice President for University Marketing and Communications

“The safety and well-being of our University community is our consistent priority,” Brown said. “In support of federal and state guidelines, we recommend adherence to social distancing guidelines as well as encouraging people on campus who may become in direct contact with one another to wear a face covering.”

Rider offices including Public Safety, Student Health Center, Auxiliary Services and others were involved in this decision. Brown said that the university’s response to everything related to coronavirus continues to evolve based on state and federal guidelines.

Brown said that masks were first distributed to students at the dining hall in order to come in and Residence Life staff distributed masks to students who did not or could not pick up masks in the dining hall. She also said students can contact any Residence Life staff or the dean of students office if they are in need of a mask and have not yet received one.

“Students must wear a mask to enter the dining hall. Without one, they cannot enter the facility. We do have some spare masks at the dining hall, but if a student doesn’t have a mask, we find a way to get meals to them,” said Brown.

She explained that Dining Services works directly with students who need meals outside of the dining hall, however, Auxiliary Services coordinates with Residence Life if there are extenuating circumstances.

The Director of Student Health Services Elizabeth Luciano gave some advice to students on- and off-campus on how to stay safe during the pandemic.

Elizabeth Luciano, The Director of Student Health Services

“My advice to all students would be to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home as much as possible and wear a face covering when you are in situations that it is difficult to maintain social distancing,” Luciano said. “I would also encourage students to exercise daily, eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep.”

Director of Public Safety James Waldon declined to comment.

University weighs the costs and benefits of mandating “Enriched Career Experiences”

By Hailey Hensley

A proposal was put forward to enhance students engaged learning experience as well as increasing the value of their degree. Rider’s University Academic Policy Committee (UAPC) recently had a proposal before it to restructure engaged learning requirements that has since been withdrawn.

This proposal would have required students to complete an “Enriched Career Experience” that covers a multitude of career-focused learning opportunities. However, the proposal was pulled due to concerns about mandating such extensive experience for students.

According to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs DonnaJean Fredeen, who supported this proposal, the proposal passing would have greatly benefited Rider students as a whole and make them more desirable to employers.

“There is a great deal of research that indicates that employers seek individuals with both the disciplinary knowledge for the needed work and work experience that provides examples of an individual’s ability to communicate effectively, think critically and work collaboratively,” Fredeen said. “The Enriched Career Experience provides opportunities for all Rider students to exercise the application of the knowledge they are learning in the classroom along with the other skills that employers desire.”

Fredeen clarified that some universities have a co-op requirement for graduation. A co-op is generally a full- time paid position that alternates on a term schedule with a student’s regular classroom activities.

Courtesy of Drexel University “Some institutions, such as Northeastern and Drexel, have a co-op requirement for all of their students. This proposal was a modification of that requirement,” she said.

Student Government Association (SGA) President Dylan Erdelyi stated that the requirement would not simply require students to complete an internship, but instead a much more in-depth experience meant to improve students’ career prospects.

“It’s not quite an ‘internship requirement,’ but rather, it is a requirement that students complete an Enriched Career Experience — that is a ‘one semester, 100+ hour (three points) intentional, discipline-focused, career- based learning opportunity that includes, internships, co-ops, fieldwork, guided research, scholarship, student teaching/fieldwork, on-campus/student employment internships and those activities/courses that fulfill the Arts, Media and Creativity Engaged Learning category,’” he said. “Basically, this proposal is just a restructuring of existing Engaged Learning requirements with the intention of helping students with more focused career readiness.”

UAPC Chairperson Diane Campbell revealed that the original requestor had since withdrawn the proposal and it would not be looked at again until at least the fall semester.

“The original proposal that was presented at the last UAPC meeting has been withdrawn at this time. If it comes back at all, it will be next fall. The only part that will be still discussed is making it easier on transfer students who have more than 31 credits to get the necessary points to graduate,” Campbell said.

Fredeen also discussed the origination of the proposal, stating that some of the ideas for the proposal came from faculty who were already working with students seeking internships.

“Kimberly Barberich, executive director for the Center for Career Development and Success, was speaking to faculty members who work closely with students to find internship opportunities to determine how to encourage more students to seek such opportunities to meet their Engaged Learning requirements,” Fredeen said. “Barberich pulled together all of the information gained from these conversations along with research from across the country to create the Enriched Career Experience proposal.”

Erdelyi said that the proposal was intended to be more inclusive for the student body.

“I sit on the Engaged Learning Committee, and we endorsed this proposal. As you can see above, there are many more options to fulfill the requirement than an internship and I believe most students already complete some version of those above requirements,” he said. “The proposal was structured to cater to a wide variety of students, some who… are not able to complete an internship.”

Fredeen highlighted the reasons for the proposal being withdrawn and stressed the fact that even without the proposal in place, the goal of the administration was still to have the vast majority of students engaging in an enriched career experience.

Rider University @RiderUniversity

We’re so proud to welcome #Rider2022 to our family! Our focus on engaged learning — plus your talents and contributions — means you’ll have an AMAZING experience as a Rider student! There's still time to become #RiderReady at http://rider.edu/deposit .

6:49 PM - May 9, 2018

“Having considered the many questions raised and the logistics surrounding a mandatory requirement for the Enriched Career Experience umbrella, we decided to withdraw the proposal at this time,” she said. “We will continue to market the value of the three Engaged Learning Categories that define the Enriched Career Experience to work towards a goal of 95% of all students completing one of these three categories.”

Features & Entertainment

Comments from quarantine: Students tell their stories

Senior journalism students in Rider’s In-Depth Reporting class were asked to examine how members of the Rider community are coping with the switch to online learning and a closed campus. Here are their articles.

Pharmacy work during a pandemic

Rider senior Nicki Hatton has to wear a face mask during her shifts at CVS to protect herself from potentially contracting the coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Nicki Hatton. By Jason Mount

An alarm rings, waking senior biology major Nicki Hatton. She silences it, grumbling as she sits up in her bed. She goes about her morning routine as she would any other morning as a college senior, but instead of gathering books and supplies for class, she dons her uniform and grabs a face mask before heading out the front door to her job.

The changes in her routine are due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virus that has closed Rider University’s campus, where she is a student and employee with the campus’s Public Safety.

“I’ve been working with them since freshman year,” Hatton said in a Zoom interview. “I used to be a student escort driver, but in sophomore year I moved upstairs as an administrator.”

Hatton smiled as she recalled working alongside “her ladies,” the other administrators in the office. Having to leave Public Safety so suddenly was difficult for her, as she had to say goodbye to co-workers she became close with after 3 ½ years.

“It was hard working those last few days because Public Safety became my family over the past few years,” she said, her brow furrowing. “They have helped guide me for my future plans and just in my everyday life at Rider.”

Hatton has not been able to work for Public Safety remotely, and her employment was terminated following the closing of the campus. However, she still finds work by helping Paul Jivoff, head of Rider’s biology department, on a scientific database for his research on crab larvae.

“Dr. Jivoff’s work is less time consuming,” she said with a casual tone in her voice. “It’s more of an ‘if I have the time then I can work on it’ deal. Dr. Jivoff is very understanding with his students and he made that clear when I took on the job at the start of the semester.”

Hatton also works at a CVS pharmacy as a cashier and deals with customer complaints about products being out of stock.

“It’s absolutely insane,” said Hatton, her eyes widening. “If a customer gets irritated because a prescription cannot get picked up or because we don’t have a certain product like hand sanitizer, thermometers, or paper products, they will tell us they spit on their money before they gave it to us.”

Hatton also mentioned that customers have had a false sense of security after getting tested.

“People are so uneducated about the virus. They think just because they got tested last week and it came back negative that they couldn’t have gotten it since then,” she said.

Amidst the angry customers, however, Hatton said that there are kind people that come into her store as well.

“There are also very nice and thankful people who come in and follow the proper protocol and thank us for working and tell us to be safe,” Hatton said with a grin After the interview concluded, Hatton tied her hair up in a messy bun and started assembling the pieces of her uniform, grabbing her reusable face mask and a mini bottle of hand sanitizer as her defense on the front lines against the coronavirus.

Wary of contracting coronavirus

Rider freshman Kailey Banks worries that pre-existing medical conditions put her at extra risk during the pandemic. Photo courtesy of Kailey Banks.

By Steven Richtmyer

Kailey Banks, a freshman biology major at Rider University, has Type 1 Diabetes and asthma and is currently feeling the coronavirus scare at full capacity.

“Because I am so high risk, my mom won’t let me out of the house,” Banks said, disheartened. “Other people my age will go out and see other people, and if they get sick, it’s like ‘alright, cool,’ and they’ll just sweat it off. They don’t really pay attention to the people they could possibly infect with it because they’re only thinking about them. They’re in high school or college, so they’re not really thinking of the consequences it could really have.”

Banks explained that because of her illnesses, she still needs to be on medication to maintain her health, despite the pandemic running rampant in the streets.

“The pharmacy near me has a drive-through and is still open, so my mom has been going to get them for me,” Banks said with a little giggle. “I can’t live without them, and I have only left the house three times since this whole thing started.”

Since she has been home for an extended amount of time, Banks was ecstatic to get a job in which she sells Cutco knives to people in her area, and she’s able to do it entirely from home via video chat services such as Zoom.

“My one friend from high school told them about me, and they reached out to me, and they interviewed me, and I got the job on the spot,” Banks said with enthusiasm. “I’ve never had a job before so excited! I just finished my training today, so I’m really excited to start working especially since I can work from home with this.”

Moving performance instruction online

Adjunct theater professor Ryanne Domingues completing her day’s work in her home office. Photo courtesy of Ryanne Domingues.

By Steven Richtmyer

With Rider’s switch to all-online learning, adjunct theater Professor Ryanne Domingues faced the unique challenge of teaching students how to perform in front of a camera instead of a live audience.

“Some people are still having their classes meet regularly through stuff like Zoom, but my students are all over the place as far as location goes. I have a foreign exchange student from France and other students in different time zones and there are at least two or three people in that class who have jobs, so I was like, ‘I’m not going to make them sit in the Zoom classes every day,’” Domingues explained.

Acting is a very physical art that requires demonstration, practice and explanation of the various techniques that help improve performances, and Domingues has been learning to adapt to the new online classes in her own style.

“I was going to do demonstrations of all of the stuff, but then I found all of these videos online that were literally the demonstrations I was going to do,” Domingues said with a grin. “What I didn’t want [students] to lose was that community of horizontal learning which is basically making sure that my students aren’t just learning from me but also from each other.”

One of the more important factors of the physical classroom that Domingues said she tries to emulate online is the connections that students make between each other so they can grow and develop their skills collectively.

“I made a Facebook page where I post all of my videos for my students to watch,” Domingues said. “I wanted to encourage my students to keep up with each other because I feel that that is an important element of the classroom that’s lost from the switch to online classes.”

Because her classes require students to give presentations to the class due to the nature of the course, her students will submit videos of their performances to her and their classmates to critique.

“It’s unfortunate but it is what it is,” Domingues said. “I’ve been checking in with my students and making sure that they understand the content so that when they record their presentations they can be as good as they can be.” Missing the connection with students

Theater professor Ivan Fuller had his classes ready to go online as Rider University prepared to switch to remote education. He said his online classes don’t “feel that different from when we were face-to-face.” Photo courtesy of Ivan Fuller.

By Jason Mount

In the early morning haze, Ivan Fuller shuffles in and out of the rooms in his house before his script analysis class starts at 9:45 a.m. sharp. He pours his coffee and gingerly walks into his home office.

In this room, decorated with filled bookshelves, old toys from the ‘80s and stacks of papers, Fuller sits at the computer desk and logs on to the video conferencing platform Zoom, where he looks forward to seeing his students’ faces for an hour and a half.

Going into the new learning platform, Fuller said he knew that he would not get the same interactions and conversations with his students online as he would in person.

“My only concern was purely personal. I knew that I would miss the immediate feedback and connection to the students, the very thing that makes the School of Fine and Performing Arts at Rider so strong,” Fuller explained.

Thus far, though, Fuller said he believes his classes have not suffered from a transition to remote education, and that students are participating the same way they would in a classroom. “I think [my classes] have gone well,” he said. “My theater history class was already set up for online instruction. My script analysis class has been going well. It really doesn’t feel that different from when we were face-to-face, as far as how the class is running and how the students are contributing.”

Before declaring the remainder of the semester to be online, Rider first announced an extended spring break. Upon hearing this, Fuller questioned what an extra week was needed for, and rationalized it was necessary to help other faculty members get comfortable with online education.

“At first I wondered why we needed to wait an extra week, but that thought was almost immediately followed by the realization that most of my fellow teachers had never taught online before and were going to need that extra week to get fully up to speed,” Fuller said. “I also knew when the university announced that we would be online for the rest of the semester that this would not only be the right move for everyone’s safety, but it was also the wise move for the students.”

Fuller explained that, since the announcement came during spring break, it would give students time to adjust to their new class setting and hopefully remain that way until the end of the school year.

“If we then went back to in-person for the final week or two of the semester, the roughness of that transition would not be good at all,” he said.

The theater professor expects unification never seen before once quarantines and social distancing ends, and thinks this time will teach people to truly value each other.

“I’m expecting a joyous explosion of hugs,” Fuller said as a wide smile spread across his face. “We’ve been taking our existence as a social species for granted and this event is hopefully making people realize how important it is to hold each other close, to care for each other and to be respectful. I just think there will be an awful lot of smiles.” A new puppy and a 21st birthday stuck at home

Julia McMaster at her house with her two dogs. Ringo is on the left, and Penny Lane, her new puppy, is on the right. Photo courtesy of Julia McMaster.

By Steven Richtmyer Julia McMaster is a junior graphic design major who, in particular, has felt the impact ever since the pandemic caused Rider University to close its doors.

“I got laid off from my job, so I have not had work… and I’ve just been at the house,” McMaster said with a somber tone.

To help herself cope with these difficult times, McMaster decided to adopt a new pet called Penny, to be a companion to her and her other dog, Ringo.

“I got a puppy a couple of weeks ago and I have not been back to school or work since then,” McMaster said with a giggle. “I’ve really just been dealing with her this entire time so that has been keeping my mind off of everything. It’s good though because I have more time with her, but also she’s crazy and it takes a lot of time and effort and since I can’t leave to go to school or work to get away from it for a little bit so it is a bit draining.”

As a self-proclaimed introvert, McMaster has found some solace in the extra alone time she has received, but the stress of attending class has been replaced by something else entirely.

“It’s nice to not have to go to class and not have to go to work, but when you’re also worrying about money and the fact that these online classes are much harder than the regular classes, it has gotten really stressful. Like, for example, my pop and rock class literally used to be going to class 6:30 to 9:30 at night and listening to music all night and having a short conversation at the end and leaving. Now we have to do paragraphs of work every week,” she explained.

Not only is she stressed with academic and financial struggles, but she’s bummed about how she’ll be stuck at home during her upcoming 21st birthday.

“I guess I’m just going to sit at home and eat cake,” McMaster said deflatedly. “We have a tradition where whenever someone turns 21, all the siblings will take them out to the bar and we get drinks, but I guess that’s not going to happen, at least not now.” An unconventional senior year

Photo courtesy of Sibel Siglam By Brianne Remy

Sibel Siglam, a senior education major at Rider University, has had a rough time coming to terms with how her final college semester is playing out. Online classes and the cancellation of campus activities were not part of her plan.

“Not only am I a senior, but I’m also a student-teacher. The transition has definitely been difficult for me to adjust to,” said Siglam about her experience.

Not only has Siglam struggled with the transition to online classes, but her mother is also a single parent navigating this hard time while supporting three children.

“She’s doing the best she can. She’s an essential worker,” said Siglam about her mom. “We’re very grateful she can still work.”

As a senior, Siglam had been awarded The Carol Messersmith Memorial Endowed Scholarship and Literacy Education Award and was one of two students that were asked to speak at a luncheon that has been canceled due to COVID-19.

Rider University has postponed its graduation ceremony until Nov. 1, to coincide with the annual Homecoming and Family Weekend.

“Because I’ve overcome so much hardship in my life, I’ve always known I’m going to be OK after the pandemic,” explained Siglam. “However, my heart still hurts knowing I don’t get to have the experiences I’ve been looking forward to.” Freshman missing out

Freshman Sydney Gold is disappointed in not being able to live out her first year at college with her friends. Photo courtesy of Sydney Gold.

By Brianne Remy Rider University is among the many colleges across America who have closed their campus due to the spread of COVID-19, preventing freshmen students like Sydney Gold from fully experiencing their first year of higher education.

Gold, a freshman organizational psychology major, said she was saddened by the closing of Rider’s campus.

“Having the semester cut short was especially hard because a lot of the learning is now done on my own time, the online learning is new for everyone so it’s not flawless, so the material is a lot harder to retain,” explained Gold.

Because the campus is now closed, many events have been postponed, moved to alternate dates, and even canceled.

Gold is in Greek life and a member of other organizations, and she expressed her discontent with no longer being able to live out freshman year with her friends.

However, Gold stayed positive in a time of uncertainty.

When asked if there would be any good to come from this hard time, Gold said, “Surprisingly, yes I think that trying to adapt to this scenario is going to help schools everywhere to adapt in a much quicker fashion if ever needed again.” Campus jobs cancelled

When Rider’s campus closed, like many students, Ashley Sherry lost her campus job and paycheck. Photo courtesy of Ashley Sherry.

By Brianne Remy

With Rider’s campus closed, many students like junior global studies major Ashley Sherry have found themselves out of work and without a means of money. “I was the manager at the information desk in the Bart Luedeke Center,” she said. Like many student workers at the university, Sherry has stopped working. On April 27, the university announced that only essential student workers will continue working through July and August, and Sherry does not know when she will return back to her job on campus.

“I was a little bit concerned because it was a source of income, and just to have that abruptly stopped throws you for a little,” said Sherry. Like many students across the country, Sherry finds herself doing homework after online classes and other activities to fill her time at home.

“I think that the school is taking the right precautions to not let us back until we are cleared for it,” explained Sherry. “Although, I do believe that there could be better ways for remote learning to take place.” Hoping for a return to campus in the fall

Junior theater major Lauren Rejent designated her bedroom as her workspace for school, now that Rider University has moved all classes online. Photo courtesy of Lauren Rejent.

By Jason Mount In her brightly-lit bedroom, junior theater major Lauren Rejent types in the room code for her acting class’s video conference. Before entering, she opens her door and calls to the house that class is starting and requests relative quiet and privacy. She shuts her door and enters the video conference, eager to learn but distracted by the thought of a family member interrupting.

After Rider University switched to remote education due to concerns over coronavirus, many students, including Rejent, started worrying about the new environments they would have to continue their schoolwork in, as well as the fear of the pandemic.

“I think Rider’s decision made reality set in that things are really bad and it’s genuinely unsafe to be at school right now,” Rejent said. “I honestly didn’t even consider the learning part right away because I was just kind of scared about the world in general. When the remote learning part set in, I knew I was never going to get anything done because I live in a house with five other people.”

Rejent had been a commuter student for the 2019-2020 school year, but said that with curfews and quarantine procedures in effect, her house would be more populated than usual, making it difficult to focus on her work.

“I have all performance-based classes and knew I would constantly be having to do monologues, which would be next to impossible with the number of people in my house,” Rejent said, a singular eyebrow arched as she glanced toward her bedroom door. “I also knew the internet was going to be a problem because everyone in my house would be using it at the same time.”

While her workload has lessened, the acting student still feels worried about her performance class assignments and is concerned about how effective her work will be in a video conference.

“A lot of my fine and performing arts classes are still the same, just over video,” she said. “I think it’s really hard to be productive from an acting perspective over webcam so it’s definitely caused a lot of anxiety.”

Despite this, Rejent has hopes that this experience will help better prepare her for any unforeseen situations that arise in her career.

“I’m sure it’ll make me a stronger actor in the end,” she said.

After three weeks away from Rider’s campus, Rejent started feeling the effects of separation from her peers and teachers, saying she felt better in a physical classroom and that she learned more.

“I really miss the people,” she said. “It’s hard to go from being with your friends every day to suddenly having no idea when you’ll see them next. I also was definitely getting more out of my education when I was there in person as well.”

Despite the anxiety, she does not feel despair at the idea of the rest of the semester being moved to online learning, as she has a final year at Rider left to cherish all of the memories that can be made on campus, and the time she can spend with friends.

“I think it’ll be extra sweet to see everyone again. I’m excited for a whole new sense of community after everything that’s been happening,” Rejent said.

Across the country

Dan Arroyo is a student who resides in Las Vegas.

By Jason Mount

As colleges across the country close their campuses and switch to electronic learning, some of their students pondered how they would effectively move out. Students who lived across the country from where they attended school had short notice to pack up their entire lives and transport it back home. This was the case for junior english major Dan Arroyo.

Arroyo lives near the west coast, so when Rider University announced it was extending its spring break and possibly moving classes online, he worried about the travel.

“Even though there’s a big percentage of students who live in or nearby New Jersey, I’m not one of them,” said Arroyo. “I live in Las Vegas and I was concerned how I was going to get back home knowing how dangerous traveling is in this climate.” Arroyo was also concerned about the transition itself, as he had never taken classes online before.

“Having to switch to this so abruptly can be jarring for people especially if their classes are difficult to translate to an online form,” he said.

Now, after having been in remote instruction for four weeks, Arroyo said he lucked out with his classes.

“Most of my work is now just discussion posts or essay assignments,” he said. “But I feel luckier than other majors who are probably figuring out how to transition the course work as they go.”

Although his workload is easier than expected, Arroyo said he still misses being at Rider, and misses the feeling of being there.

“I just miss physically being in a classroom setting and being able to discuss in class,” said Arroyo. “Although Zoom has helped to fill in that gap, it can only do so much as a classroom replacement. It seems like everything is now just turning in an assignment because there isn’t that in-class atmosphere anymore.”

Above all, Arroyo worried that his quickly-approaching senior year will be squandered by the pandemic just like the class of 2020.

“If anything I’ll be ecstatic to go back to campus in the fall if it opens,” Arroyo said. “I do not want to remember the last year of my college experience being home and having to do online classes because of this pandemic. I understand if campus is still closed by then, but I will truly be heartbroken to have my last fall semester gone.”

EOP director Reggie Walker feels that his first year in the position was a success. Photo courtesy of Reggie Walker. From EOP student to the program director: A year in reflection

By Giavanna Troilo

When asked if he always intended to make his way back to Rider University, Reggie Walker said that he had always hoped to make it back “home.”

“I kind of pinch myself — never did I imagine that I would be back as the director of the program that allowed me to go to college.”

Walker is currently completing his first year as director of Rider’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). As a student at Rider, he knew that he saw his future working in Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) programs in New Jersey.

“I knew as early as 2005 when I finished undergrad that I wanted to go into higher ed, and more specifically, I wanted to be an EOF director — that was always the goal,” said Walker.

Walker’s first job following his master’s program was an EOF counselor at Monmouth University. From there, his involvement with EOF only expanded, as he went on to become an EOF Academic Counselor at Montclair State University, where he remained for nine years.

Though Walker was not at Rider professionally for 12 years, he remained connected to EOP and the Rider community any chance he got. When he heard of the retirement of the previous director, Rubin Joyner, it was Walker’s boss at Montclair who saw the potential in him to take over as Rider’s director.

“It’s still a dream come true; it doesn’t seem real,” said Walker. Going into his first year as director Walker had several goals. He knew he wanted to increase statewide visibility for EOF, as well as campus-wide visibility for EOP at Rider. Additionally, he wanted to increase EOP alumni involvement through an EOP Hall of Fame.

“Every position that I had gone into in higher education, I brought Rider with me. I wanted the rest of New Jersey to know just how exceptional EOP is at Rider,” said Walker. “One of my main goals was [to recognize] that if it’s not broken, don’t fix it, but also to take this program from great, to greater, or greatest.”

Though Walker has initiated many changes to the program this year, he believes his biggest achievement in his first year has been a “resurgence in energy” for EOP among students and faculty.

“With that energy has come some new ideas,” said Walker. “We now have our Women In Action leadership group and our Male Leadership Academy. Being able to have these students take their rightful place as leaders is something I’m really proud of in terms of what we’ve been able to do.”

Walker also detailed the success of Rider’s first-ever EOP Scholarship Brunch that happened in March, which yielded 90 registrants of EOP alumni and almost $8000 raised for the EOP Book Fund.

Shortly after the success of this event, Rider started feeling the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which presented “unique challenges” for EOP. Walker states that keeping pre-freshmen students engaged as the annual EOP Summer Institute Academy goes virtual has been the program’s priority.

“How do we provide the same level of service to students in a format that’s going to be tremendously different? We have to figure out a way to really keep these students engaged,” said Walker.

Though COVID-19 is presenting roadblocks to the near future of EOP, Walker is optimistic about the next few years in his position at Rider. He hopes to ensure that every year, the Summer Institute Academy, and EOP as a whole, become better than they were the year before.

Leadership, professional development, and visibility are all priorities of Walker’s — EOP’s new Life After Rider series, for example, seeks to educate senior students on how to navigate post-undergraduate life.

Overall, Walker acknowledges that he has come back to a program that has been “stellar” since his time as a student, and he hopes only to add to EOP’s exceptionalism going forward.

“I’ll shout from the rooftops how great of a program we are, because [the EOP students] are doing some amazing things at Rider and beyond,” Walker proudly said about the EOP students at Rider.

“Untold Stories of Growing Up” will be available for anyone to view starting May 1. This performance will be uploaded online to the Rider Dance YouTube page. Senior dance major modify capstone performance into unique virtual experience

By Christian McCarville\

Spring 2020 will certainly be remembered as a time where life as we knew it was flipped upside down. As the semester comes to a close, professors must be creative in the ways that they modify and assign their final projects. Fully utilizing online resources and incorporating a variety of student talents, Associate Professor of Dance Kim Vaccaro has put together a unique Capstone performance for her dance students. This Capstone project is titled “The Untold Stories of Growing Up,” and can be accessed virtually on May 1.

Senior dance major Emma Kasper explained the centric theme of the show that will be seen within each performance.

“The theme, especially with the given circumstances, is about just growing up and having life throw unexpected things your way,” said Kasper. “All of the seniors have recorded and edited their pieces so we can have a virtual show via Youtube. We want to have a release party with our peers so we can take our time watching and really enjoy and immersing ourselves into their dances.”

“The Untold Stories of Growing Up” features performances by senior dance majors Alexa Boone, Gabriella Ann Boes, Rose Conroy Voza and Xiomara Quinones. This performance will demonstrate the seniors’ cumulative knowledge and skill in the art of dance.

(From left to right) Gabriella Boes, Xiomara Quinones, Kim Vaccaro, Alexa Boone and Rose Conroy-Voza all prepared for this year’s capstone to be moved online. Photo courtesy of Kim Vaccaro.

“The seniors, and their production team, are responsible for the development of the idea, creation, rehearsal, direction of dances, marketing, promotion, social media and all technical aspects such as lighting, costumes, space, filmmaking, editing, presenting and producing,” Vaccaro said. This performance is not limited to seniors, however, as several junior dance majors will play a role in producing and choreographing the show. Guest choreography will be done by junior dance major Victoria Kreutzer. Producers of the show include junior dance major Alexa Goldblum, alongside Kasper and Kreutzer.

Goldblum spoke on her role in the performance as a production manager.

“I created and run the social media accounts and YouTube page,” said Goldblum. “I have been advertising the show for the past four weeks on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. I also edited one of the pieces and I could not be more proud of the work that these girls have provided for us. Being a junior, this really helped me gain knowledge and experience for my capstone and has even inspired some ideas that I might use next year.”

The creation of a Rider Dance YouTube page also opens the opportunities for viewers to gain more insight into each senior’s process in completing their capstone performance.

“You can view not only their piece but their rehearsal videos, performance reels, interviews and inspiration videos all on the YouTube page,” said Goldblum. “And since all of these pieces will be pre-recorded and uploaded to YouTube, they will remain there forever and the seniors can use their pieces as a part of their portfolios in the future.”

These dance majors, under the guidance of Kim Vacarro, used online resources to coordinate their online capstone performance. Here they are pictured using the popular web application Zoom to video chat and discuss their plans for the performance. Photo courtesy of Kim Vaccaro.

Developing this type of performance in a remote learning setting certainly requires admirable coordination and communication skills. It is evident that both the cast and crew worked extremely hard to complete this capstone despite the difficult circumstances caused by the coronavirus crisis.

“There was no set guideline on how to run a show like this because it’s never been done before,” said Kreutzer. “As a result, we had spent just as much time strategizing as we have to execute. With the three weeks that we had, every tech member buckled down and dedicated all of their time to make this year’s senior capstone memorable. I couldn’t have asked for better help with the show.”

All those interested in viewing this senior capstone performance can log on to the Rider Dance YouTube page starting May 1.

Graduate student Meghan Korb was a part of the CIE’s Panama program and recommends it to any students wanting to study abroad. Photo courtesy of Meghan Korb. Center for International Education announces 2021 faculty-led programs

By Megan Raab

Got cabin fever? The Center for International Education has a cure. Plan a global experience with the 2021 faculty-led programs. These programs take place during three periods: Spring break, J-term and May term. Here is a preview on three of the programs happening over J-term 2021.

One of the popular J-term programs is returning this year — Arts Abroad with Nathan Hurwitz, which will be going to London and Sicily.

This program is particularly well-suited for students in the College of Fine and Performing Arts, as the program includes live theater shows, concerts, museum visits, a look into the life of Shakespeare at Stratford Upon Avon and The Globe Theatre and other cultural experiences.

Hurwitz, associate professor II of theater, took over this program, which has been running at Rider for many years. It was run before him by Pat Chmel and Jerry Rife.

“The thing I love best about this program is seeing these wonderful places and exploring their culture through the eyes of the students,” Hurwitz said. ”I have been to most of these places before, but talking with them and seeing their reaction to their first view of the Acropolis, or Westminster Abbey is the most thrilling thing of all. Almost all of the students have said to me, by the end of the trip, that Arts Abroad has changed their lives.” This program counts for three credits of THE 312 and engaged learning points.

Another one of our popular programs that is running again next year is Service Learning abroad with Assistant Director of Campus Life for Service Learning Joan Liptrot and Vice President for Student Affairs Leanna Fenneberg. This program will allow students to spend their J-term doing service work in gorgeous Panama.

This program includes service work such as teaching English and a beach cleanup, as well as fun excursions. The Service Learning Programs are a favorite of the Bonner Scholars, as well as other members of the Rider community who are passionate about community service. Participation in this program counts for three engaged learning points.

Graduate student Meghan Korb is an alum of the Panama Service Learning Program.

“I highly recommend students participate in a service-learning program abroad because it allows them to gain a better understanding of the different types of needs throughout the world. Panama is rich in biodiversity and through participating in a beach cleanup I was able to fully grasp the lack of care humans have when it comes to throwing out trash and its impact on the environment,” Korb said. “I don’t think people know much about Panama other than it’s the country the Panama Canal is located in, but there is much to see and be inspired by in this colorfully cultured country. Also, this program runs in January, so it is the ideal escape from the cold.”

Another program taking place over J-term is Health and Ecology Abroad in Costa Rica with Professor Kerrie Sendall. This program is particularly suited for students studying health care administration, biology, neuroscience, health science and environmental science, but it is open to all.

The program gives students the opportunity to learn about international healthcare through multiple site visits and volunteer opportunities, alongside fun cultural experiences.

Participation in this program will earn students three engaged learning credits as well as course credit.

For more information on these, as well as all of the global opportunities available, be sure to visit the virtual Study Abroad Fair on Reading Day, May 6.

If you have any questions or would like to set up advisement, please email [email protected]. For a full list of the 2020/2021 programs visit rider.studioabroad.com.

Sports

Sports editor Dylan Manfre gives his top moments in athletics from the school year. Graphic by Gabriella LaVerdi Relive the top moments in athletics from 2019-2020

By Dylan Manfre

The 2019-2020 school year will be remembered as one of the most unusual years in sports — and history for that matter. Thankfully, we already got to enjoy a majority of the sports seasons. Here are my top-10 moments from the year:

1. Stella Johnson to WNBA

Johnson became the first women’s basketball player in Rider history to get drafted to the WNBA when the Phoenix Mercury selected her with the 29th overall pick. She became the first Rider student-athlete to play in an American professional basketball league since Jason Thompson, who was drafted No. 12 in the 2008 NBA Draft to the Sacramento Kings.

Dylan Manfre @Dylan_Manfre11

BREAKING: @RiderWBB guard Stella Johnson has been selected with the 29 overall pick in the #WNBADraft by the @PhoenixMercury

8:37 PM - Apr 17, 2020

2. Amari Johnson’s last-second shot vs. Monmouth

Senior forward Amari Johnson tipped an inbound pass from senior guard Lexi Stover with 0.5 seconds left on the clock. Head Coach Lynn Milligan called it the biggest shot in women’s basketball history — and rightfully so. It was. She has never hit a game-winner in her career before. That bucket gave Rider its first-ever regular- season title and the No. 1 seed in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament. Amari Johnson was also named the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and led the league in double-doubles.

Rider Women’s Basketball @RiderWBB

WIIIIIIIINNNNNNNN!!!!! Amari finishes off the Stover feed. Broncs are your 2020 MAAC Champions!!! #GoBroncs #maAChoops20 #BroncsToTheBoardwalk

6:53 PM - Mar 7, 2020

3. Stella Johnson becomes Rider’s top scorer.

Stella Johnson did not score 1,000 points during her four years at Morris Catholic High School, but she concluded her Rider career as the program’s all-time leading scorer for men and women with 2,167. She passed Debbie Snyder’s all-time mark of 1,706 against Iona on Jan. 4 in an 81-37 victory. Stella Johnson also led the nation in scoring at 24.8 points per game.

4. Women’s Track and Field wins MAAC Title

The MAAC championship came down to the final throw of the final event. Rider and Monmouth were separated by half-a-point after senior thrower Ronetta Hunter’s throw in the finals sailed 14.12 meters. The Broncs edged Quinnipiac 154.5 to 154 to win their first MAAC title in program history.

Austin Ferguson @bolandferga

A deep dive into the final two events of @RiderXCTF’s women’s MAAC titlehttps://www.theridernews.com/flashback-the-wild-finish-to-womens- track-and-fields-championship-win/ …

Flashback: The wild finish to women’s track and field’s championship win - The Rider News By Austin Ferguson With two events to go, it became clear: Monmouth, the six-time defending Metro At theridernews.com

1:40 PM - Apr 15, 2020

Rider might not always get national attention, but two monstrous dunks from redshirt junior forward Dimencio Vaughn and freshman guard Christian Ings got the Broncs on ‘SportsCenter’s’ Top-10 Plays. Vaughn drove right down the middle of the paint and posterized Quinnipiac guard Tyrese Williams.

Rider Men’s Basketball @RiderMBB

Another angle of Dimencio Vaughn's #SCTop10 dunk.#GoBroncs #maAChoops20 #BroncsToTheBoardwalk

7:11 PM - Feb 16, 2020

Vaughn finished with 20 points on 8 of 13 shooting. Ings had the No. 4 play on ‘SportsCenter’s’ Top-10. Ings flew past multiple Niagara defenders and caught a high inbound pass from senior guard Stevie Jordan for the slam.

CollegeSlam ✔ @CollegeSLAM

Dunk of the Year in college basketball?

Check out how high @RiderMBB's Christian Ings (@ agentzer0) jumps while throwing down this HUGE slam!

3:37 PM - Feb 10, 2020

6. Morgan “scheduled tweet” Romano

Each week of the 2019 volleyball season, freshman opposite hitter Morgan Romano was named the MAAC Rookie of the Week. As expected, she was named MAAC Rookie of the Year. Romano led the Broncs to a program-record 12 wins in conference play. Romano was sixth in the nation in total kills and ranked seventh in Division I in points. Romano ended her season atop the MAAC in kills, kills per set, total points and points per set.

Dylan Manfre @Dylan_Manfre11

BREAKING: Rider volleyball opposite hitter

Morgan Romano is the #MAACVB Co- Rookie of the Week, the league announced. This officially means Romano has SWEPT the ROTW honors for the entire 2019 season.

2:12 PM - Nov 19, 2019

7. Field Hockey reaches 20th-straight postseason

Head Coach Lori Hussong has ushered her teams to the playoffs in each of her two decades at the helm of the program. This past fall, the Broncs relied heavily on the tandem duo of sophomore midfielders Julia Divorra and Carly Brosious. Divorra led the Northeast Conference (NEC) in goals and points with 20 and 37, respectively.

Divorra enjoyed a breakout year starting in each of Rider’s 20 games after playing eight during her freshman season. The Broncs dropped the championship match against top-seeded Fairfield in overtime.

8. Men’s Swimming and Diving completes nine-peat

The men’s swimming and diving team have gotten used to championship pedigree. The team won its ninth consecutive MAAC title by a 181.5-point margin. Senior Justin Carey was named Most Outstanding Swimmer, junior Dillon Walles earned Most Outstanding Diver and freshman Matt Lequand received Swimming Rookie of the Meet.

9. Wrestling upsets No. 6 Minnesota

As a team, the Broncs earned a 21-17 victory over Minnesota University. On Nov. 15, redshirt senior Dean Sherry pinned the No. 6 wrestler in the nation Devin Skatzka in the 174-pound weight class. Sherry’s victory was voted upset of the year on FloWrestling.

Rider Wrestling @RiderWrestling

Congratulations to Captain Dean Sherry for winning Individual Upset of the Year for his win by fall over #6 Devin Skatzka which propelled our team to beat Minnesota this year. Thank you to everyone who voted, a very well deserved win here for

Sherry. #RiderStrong

7:18 PM - Apr 24, 2020

10. Men’s basketball has four 1,000-point scorers

Senior center Tyere Marshall, redshirt junior Frederick Scott along with Vaughn and Jordan ended their Rider careers scoring over 1,000 points. Rider was one of two Division I programs to have four 1,000-point scorers this season — Richmond University was the other. All four players scored their 1,000 points as a member of the Broncs.

Greg Ott has been a crucial, yet unseen part of Rider Athletics since being hired in 2016. Photo courtesy of Greg Ott Greg Ott: Rider Athletics’ behind the scene hero

By Shaun Chornobroff

Sports Communications Director has been Greg Ott’s position at Rider since 2016; he might work behind the scenes, but Ott’s year-round responsibilities still make him crucial to Rider athletics.

“On a day-to-day basis it’s just promoting our student-athletes… in normal time, there are games going on. So, leading into a season you’re doing your season preview type things, and making sure players’ bios are up to date on the website,” Ott said. “You’ll have preseason polls and preseason awards.”

“Once the season is up and running you’re previewing the games on the website,” Ott explained. “Once the games start, you oversee stat keeping at the games, we oversee clock operations… scoreboard, social media. We work with Chris Foster, our assistant athletic director for digital media, so we’ll have a feed of the video that’s coming through… So he’s able to push a feed to us, and we’re able to very easily cut up highlights to go on social media.”

“Once the game ends it’s facilitating interviews… for when media outlets need to talk to a coach or player in the immediate aftermath of the game. And then it’s writing our own recap, putting that on the website. Working cooperatively with Chris Foster and his staff, to make sure that the video highlights get attached to the recap and any media that’s not at the game, we’re trying to email them the results, so if they want to pick up the story, they can,” Ott said.

Being the sports communication director at a Division I school is not easy, but Ott comes in with a variety of experiences that have helped him take the job in stride.

Ott was the intern associate for athletic communications at Iowa State University, where he was in charge of the visitors’ press conferences through the football season. Having such an important role at a power-five program gave Ott insight he still carries to this day. “In the immediate aftermath of a game, all bets are off, you are either dealing with coaches who are ecstatic they won the game or crushed they lost a heartbreaker,” Ott said of his time at Iowa State. “To be able to step in and say why don’t you take another moment or two before you go into this press conference, collect yourself. It’s not very often you have to do that, but it stuck with me, that the difference between putting the best foot forward, being really classy walking into a press conference and walking in there with a little too much fluster, a little too much anger, could be a minute of calming down and collecting yourself.”

Prior to working at Rider, Ott was employed by fellow Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) school Monmouth University. There he assisted in Monmouth’s launch of ESPN3 — Rider launched a similar program in 2018 and he’s held a familiar role.

“My role at both places has been similar, I haven’t really been in the trenches with it,” Ott said of his work with ESPN3. “There were a couple of other people at Monmouth who took the lead on that, and anyway I could help I would.”

“It’s the same thing at Rider. Chris Foster does the majority of the ESPN3 stuff, and it’s anything I can do to help,” Ott said.

Even Ott’s college days at Springfield College helped prepare him for his current position. Ott was a sports journalism/communications major, and even the chief editor of his school paper, but after his bachelor’s degree, he took a job as the sports information graduate assistant at Quinnipiac University “because it was what’s available,” unsuspectingly putting himself on his current career path. It’s not the path Ott expected, but one he’s more than content with.

“It’s a lot more exciting than sitting at a desk Monday to Friday, nine to five,” Ott said. “You’re working a lot of nights, a lot of weekends… You’re doing something you love, so it makes work easier in that respect.”

“I like working for a university,” Ott said of his journalism background, which he says helps him write game recaps. “It makes me feel a little bit more part of the team. I think when you’re writing for a newspaper it’s a weird dynamic, but I think having personal relationships with the players, being on their team, having relationships with the coaches, administrators, it’s maybe a little easier than having that relationship where something bad happens and you have to go report on it… You feel like you’re on the same team with them a little bit more.”

Ott is a crucial part of the Rider athletics team, and Rider’s Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations and Development and Senior Women’s Administrator Karin Torchia emphasizes his importance to the school.

“Sports information is the first line of communication for any athletic department, so it’s imperative that the person in the position is able to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form,” Torchia said. “[Ott] has those skills and is able to disseminate information quickly and effectively in any type of situation, whether it’s writing post-event stories or something that affects our entire department on a much more serious scale like we’re dealing with now in the midst of COVID-19 and having our spring sports seasons canceled.”

Torchia even recalls moments during the softball season when the team had home games and the department was understaffed, but Greg’s ability to multitask shined through.

“I’ve seen him be the PA announcer, keep the scorebook, do the computer stats and post to our social media accounts during the same game and that takes serious level-headedness and organization,” she said. Sports have been Ott’s livelihood, when he wasn’t working in sports, he was watching sports, and his position at Rider has allowed him to work in sports, something he describes as “the toy department of life.”

Cagle cartoons: With the help of quarantine, lockdowns and social distancing we will soon be outside. Life at a distance

One month has gone by while being in quarantine and no one knows what day it is. One month of being forced to stay indoors, distance ourselves from society and take courses online. By now, most companies have ceased operation. No one has ever seen anything like this. Citizens are racing to the grocery stores, waiting in unreasonably long lines and buying in bulk. We are seeing society crack under the pressure of having nothing to do.

Of course, the bigger picture here is how our lives will never be the same after these long, but oddly fast, few weeks. We mourn the people who have lost their lives due to the coronavirus, we are thinking of those fighting for their lives and those in recovery. Our hearts go out to the individuals in abusive households with parents or spouses, the homeless, those dealing with mental health that relied on outside distractions. You all are also not forgotten during this difficult time.

Life at a distance has been an unusual experience. As an essential worker during this pandemic, I am witnessing hands-on the different perspectives of America’s “temporary” new way of life. From customers arguing over the last roll of toilet paper or with customers without masks, I’m being treated as if I were a hero at work and a biohazard at home, and then I have to sit on my laptop and pretend that I am a full-time college student. The transition from taking five courses in the classroom to taking those same exact courses with the same regimen from home was uncomfortable, to say the least. We went from having an extra week added to our spring break to having a five-month-long vacation at home. This does not sound too bad on the surface, but for the seniors (both college and high school) who had plans to walk at graduation to the freshmen who were excited about their first spring break, the 21st birthdays (I have accepted the terms), weddings and funerals; they all have been canceled or altered.

College students have been expressing their dismay with remote learning, zoom classes and meticulous assignments. A common theme, one I can personally relate to, is the lack of motivation to successfully finish this semester. I have been a student all my life and my performance as a student was based heavily on that classroom environment, being able to see and interact with my professors and my peers. I especially miss my alone time in my dorm, the talks with myself and my solo study dates. Although I love being home, going from living alone on campus to abruptly moving back home with four other people turned my semester upside down. It is hard trying to keep up this identity when there is nothing left to make it real.

I wanted to be as transparent as I could because I, too, am experiencing a new world. I, too, have some level of anxiety when I step outside. I am a student with no desire to type another letter or solve another problem.

Despite all the chaos and uncertainty of the future of healthcare as we know it, I am here to bring reality and encouragement to our university. What helps to relieve a heavy heart is knowing there is someone, in this case, millions, that can relate and understand what you are going through. I have been praised by complete strangers for my “service” (I am an employee at Aldi) and been shown immense gratitude for something as small as wiping down a shopping cart. But, to those customers, it was a sense of relief that there are people looking out for them.

Try to think of others during this time. As much as we want outside to be legal again, think about the reason we are inside in the first place. We are inside for the nurses and doctors, to the coronavirus victims, food industry employees, down to the college student who cleans your carts.

Stay home for those who are outside for all of us where it is relatively unsafe for anybody. I too, yearn for the outside. An outside with no masks, an outside where we socialize and travel, but rest assured, those days are coming soon. But those days are going to turn into months if we keep assuming “inside” means small gatherings, beach days and church services.

Try your best to look at quarantine as a halt in time where everything is at a standstill. A time where you can catch up on that show you wanted to binge, start that book you have been meaning to read, a time to clean your room or do your taxes. But, for those who are like me, catch up on the sleep you desperately need and tend to your self needs. Do not think you have to come out of this isolation a master of a new craft or have achieved some rigorous task just try to get through this pandemic the best way you can.

I wish the last editorial of the semester finds our campus well and in good health, and I hope we will be able to indulge in nature’s bliss in the near future.

This editorial expresses the unanimous opinion of The Rider News Editorial Board. This week’s editorial was written by Opinion Editor Qur’an Hansford.

Cagle Cartoons: The coronavirus has changed the graduation plans of thousands of seniors across the country. A senior’s life at home

It seems as if everyone’s lives have hit a brick wall since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Recreational activities came to an abrupt halt, some people no longer have a job to go to and schools all across the country shut their doors for the last time this school year.

For a lot of students, the news that schools would be moving to remote education was heartbreaking, especially for the seniors, both in high school and in college. What was originally the same old routine with a touch of wariness is now a path through uncharted territory as we must attempt to complete our education through screens and webcams, and for the seniors, it is a loss of all the final moments they may have with their friends.

In high school, seniors seem to have all the fun. While preparing for college, they take advantage of the freedom that is a new license and a car and go about the town with their friends, making memories to hold on to when they split up for higher learning. At school itself, they bond over senior prank days, prom and senior year traditions. Suddenly, they do not have that anymore; the final moments to be shared with their friends is through a computer screen.

For college seniors like myself, that feeling is seemingly magnified. There were jokes prior to Rider switching to remote education of “this could be our last dinner together,” or “goodbye in case I never see you again.”

Those jokes soon came to fruition, as now we are all distant from one another. Not only that but the moments that senior students are supposed to cherish dwell in uncertainty. We worry about the commencement ceremony not because we want the piece of paper, but because we want to revel at the moment all the hard work leads up to. We miss the Spring events like ArtBeast, Rider Rock Fest or even the little things like sitting outside with friends listening to music. If there is anything that this pandemic has taught me, it is that social distancing is hard on the emotions. While we can still talk to friends and family through a variety of video conferencing platforms, there always seems to be a delay in statements that causes a disconnect between people. Nothing beats sitting with friends and family in person, laughing hysterically at some joke or having a serious enough conversation where all the background noise seems to silence itself.

While social distancing is hard, and one can go stir crazy sitting around their house long enough, it is important we keep doing it to flatten the curve. State officials opening beaches, like in Florida, are not helping. People protesting that they do not want to be locked in their homes are just as detrimental.

It is hard to separate ourselves from those we love most and to deny ourselves the leisurely activities we want to do outside of our homes, but we must do what is necessary to save lives.

When this pandemic finally reaches its end — whenever that may be — the reunions will be that much sweeter. Even though we may be missing out on great memories, this time has reminded us just how much we love spending time with others and how much we cherish the moments we have with our friends and family. For now, leave the beaches and parks empty – they will be full of joy and laughter before we know it.

Jason Mount

senior theater major

Cagle Cartoons: The transition to remote learning due to the coronavirus maybe helping the environment. Can digital learning save the environment?

These unprecedented times are creating huge shifts in everyone’s lives, students and faculty alike, but how can we look at the bright side and make these changes into something positive? Perhaps you have had some extra time to catch up on the latest TV shows or go back and rewatch some of your favorite movies. If you have not seen “The Lorax,” it’s the perfect film for Earth Month with a great message.

“I am the Lorax who speaks for the trees, which you seem to be chopping as fast as you please!” The introduction of remote learning has certainly posed an interesting challenge at Rider, but this new “normal” brings along with it some unique environmental benefits as well.

Digital learning and remote work essentially has forced schools and universities to go paperless, making a huge step towards sustainability. The paper industry is the third-largest polluter of air, water and land in the United States, releasing over 220 million pounds of pollution each year. In recent years, there has been a much larger push for universities to reduce their reliance on paper and move to electronic devices for school work. This would certainly make the Lorax happy.

In the past 40 years, worldwide paper usage has increased 400%, with the U.S. now consuming over 90 million tons of paper a year. That means 700 pounds of paper per person per year. Putting that into the global perspective, the U.S. constitutes only 5% of the world’s population, but yet is responsible for over 30% of worldwide paper usage.

Not only do trees produce the oxygen that is necessary for us to breathe, but they absorb carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas released by human activities. In one year, a mature tree will absorb over 48 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange (usda.gov). In one year, the U.S. consumes 68 million trees worth of paper products. That’s 3.3 billion pounds of CO2 that are not being absorbed due to deforestation!

With this new introduction of digital learning, there is no need for physical exams, essays or assignments. All schoolwork is now 100% digital, essentially cutting university-wide paper use down to zero. Instead of wasting hundreds of sheets of paper that would only be forgotten about eventually, assignments can now be submitted online and easily stored forever in case it is needed in the future.

The cloud allows for user-friendly storage of all digital files and work, rather than clunky, space-consuming filing cabinets. When relying on paper copies, work and correspondence can be easily lost between point A and point B, but this is not the case with digital storage.

Senior environmental science major Alina Bardaji says that “Digital learning can be a strong force in environmentalism because it saves a monumental amount of paper, from exams to in-class assignment sheets. Although it has its challenges, if utilized well, it could help our planet more than we think.”

With the current reliance on paper, an estimated 18 million acres of forest are destroyed each year. That’s over 20 football fields per minute. If we continue at this rate, the Earth’s rainforests will be destroyed in less than 100 years.

Junior musical theatre major Ilyssa Rubin sees the need for change.

“Remote learning has forced teachers who were previously very set in their ways to go paperless – I hope that when we are able to return to campus, schools everywhere will now be used to paperless learning and make the necessary adjustments,” Rubin stated.

Although there has been an adjustment period for all adapting to online classes, this has been a necessary push in the right direction for professors to move away from a dependence on physical paper, saving the university’s money and the world’s resources.

It’s no secret that digital learning presents challenges to both students and faculty alike. There are certain aspects of a college education that just cannot be replicated in online classes, but now it is clear that a reliance on paper is not a necessary evil.

The Lorax said, “A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean.” Every sheet matters and our Earth depends on it.

Emma Harris

Rider Eco-Rep