Lawrence Resident Presents Rider Student Address

Rider University proudly bestowed the honorary Doctor of Laws upon John H. Martinson, founder of the philanthropic Martinson Family Foundation (MFF), which supports educational initiatives encouraging K-12 math and science teachers to broaden their knowledge and skills through collaborative programs at nearby colleges and universities, at the University’s 148^thUndergraduate Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 17.

Rider President Mordechai Rozanski also conferred 917 baccalaureate degrees to students who had successfully completed their studies the previous week. They join 404 who received their diplomas on Thursday night at the Graduate and College of Continuing Studies Commencement, and 135 who received theirs at the 84^th Westminster Choir College Commencement on Friday afternoon.

Dr. George A. Pruitt, president of Thomas Edison State College, and Metropolitan Opera star Paul Plishka, received honorary degrees on Thursday night and Friday afternoon, respectively.

Rozanski congratulated the evening’s graduates, who made up part of Rider’s total graduating class of 1,456 and now join a robust and active family of alumni.

“Go forth with confidence. And as you leave us and embark on the next stage of your life, do so with great pride because you are joining a distinguished family of more than 50,000 alumni of Rider University,” said Rozanski, the University’s president since 2003. “These alumni are accomplished men and women who have made and continue to make meaningful contributions worldwide. I have no doubt that you too will achieve significant success and bring great credit to yourselves, your families and your alma mater.”

Kristy Grinere ’13 of St. James, N.Y., who earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism, presented the student address. A cum laude graduate, Grinere served as the opinion editor of The Rider News, the University’s award-winning student newspaper, where she excelled in the often difficult position of articulating the publication’s editorial voice.

 “A wise friend told me once to do one thing every day that scares you. The day I decided to attend Rider was definitely something that scared me. From that moment on, it was all about committing to my decision and moving forward into a new chapter of life,” Grinere said. “We have each had unique opportunities to serve the Rider community, work alongside brilliant and generous professors and administrators, and really take advantage of our college experience. I know I owe it all to making the initial decision to attend Rider. Without taking that scary first jump into this university, I would not be the person I am today, nor would any of us.”

Last night, Carolynne Lewis-Arévalo ’13 of Lawrence Township, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, presented the student address at the graduate and College of Continuing Studies Commencement. Lewis-Arévalo, who dropped out of high school in 1978, was a victim of child abuse at home and later, battery at the hands of her husband during an ill-fated marriage. She unexpectedly found confidence though education when she enrolled at Mercer County Community College in 2005, and graduated summa cum laude from Rider.

“Whereas I previously felt inadequate and afraid to approach others to share my ideas, my education has given me entrée into a community of scholars – enabling me to view others as peers and to offer my ideas without fear of rejection,” Lewis-Arévalo said. “I hope that as I continue my graduate studies, and eventually, begin a counseling career, that my story will encourage others to believe in themselves, and to believe that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.”

—Rider University