Week of Events Will Celebrate Diversity at Rider Univ.

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by Rider University.

Activist speaker Judy Shepard will present the keynote address during the Rider University Unity Days on Wednesday, Oct. 26, on the Lawrence Township campus. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center Cavalla Room.

In 1998, Judy Shepard lost her son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Turning tragedy into a crusade for justice, and determined to prevent Matthew’s fate from befalling others, she established The Matthew Shepard Foundation to help carry on his legacy.

She has made the prevention of hate crimes the focus of her efforts, and urges her audiences to make their schools and communities safe for everyone, regardless of their race, sex, religion, or gender identity and/or expression.
 
On the following evening, Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., Rider’s Fine Arts Department will perform a dramatic performance of the Laramie Project, which portrays the story of the murder of Matthew Shepard and its effect on the citizens of the town of Laramie, Wyo.

Eight actors portray 60 characters in this powerful testament of the effects of tragedy on a small town. The Laramie project marks the inaugural performance of the new and expanded Bart Luedeke Center Theater.
 
Rider University’s Unity Days, held this year from Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 28, traditionally brings students, faculty and staff together, to celebrate all the diverse elements that make up the Rider community.

The rest of the 2011 Unity Days schedule, includes: 
 
Monday, October 24

The Scary Guy
7 p.m., Yvonne Theater
Scary is a tattoo artist, performer, film producer, and world citizen who presents his life story and teaches how to create World Peace in our lifetime. 
 
Tuesday, Oct. 25

Dream Act
1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sweigart Auditorium
A presentation for awareness of the Dream Act, its impact on the lives of undocumented immigrants and their plight toward legal residency. 
 
Religion and Gender
3 to 5 p.m., North Hall, Room 130
From a religious perspective, an exploration of the history of religion and gender relationships. 
 
Womenspace 2011
5:30 p.m., Bart Ludeke Center Cavalla Room
“Communities of Light” reception event designed to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services will be available to victims and survivors. 
 
Thursday, Oct. 27

Women in Athletics
7 p.m., Bart Ludeke Center Fireside
A workshop addressing the perception of “Leadership in Athletics” from a male and female point of view. 
 
Friday, Oct. 28

Homosexuality Around the World
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bart Ludeke Center Room 257
Rider students will explore the impact society has on homosexuality around the world. 
 
Candlelight Village
8 p.m., Westminster Choir College, Great Plains