Rider University sets record with $15.1M in cash gifts in FY2022

Rider University on Wednesday said it received $15.1 million in cash gifts during fiscal year 2022 — the highest amount in the Lawrenceville school’s history.

The monies will support scholarships, student and academic programming, athletics and campus infrastructure, as aligned with the university’s strategic plan.

“The support we saw last year shows the deep commitment to the education of our students,” Rider President Gregory Dell’Omo stated. “We are incredibly grateful to have such backing and look forward to building upon this success.”

Rider said that, in addition to cash gifts, overall fundraising commitments raised more than $8.3 million in the fiscal year ending June 30. More than $2.6 million was in unrestricted funds, which will be used toward the greatest needs of the institution.

“These funds are donated with the insight and faith of each donor who recognizes that contributions like this will be useful in a myriad of ways. Ultimately, all unrestricted giving supports key initiatives that highlight the student experience,” John Guarino, chair of Rider’s board of trustees said. “Such funds bolster the university as a whole and provide vital support to student growth, transformation and leadership. I also think the increased giving reflects our donors’ belief in the university and our strategic plan. The board couldn’t be happier by so much generosity on the part of our Rider alumni, family and friends.”

A total of $2.1 million in scholarship support was raised and 11 new endowed scholarships were created. Two gifts for Westminster Choir College were funded through estate gifts; that is, individuals deciding to include Rider in their will.

The 2021-22 fiscal year also included a historic gift to its wrestling program and two notable group fundraising efforts.

More than $347,000 was raised from 1,500 donors in Rider’s annual Athletics Raise Your Game challenge.

One hundred and seventy-one friends, family and colleagues of the late Eugene Marsh generously contributed $105,000 to the renovation and naming of the Dr. Eugene Marsh Center for Veterans and Military Affairs and to establish the Dr. Eugene Marsh ’13, ’18, ’21 Memorial Endowed Veterans Scholarship.

Earlier pledges made the $15.1 million record for cash gifts possible, as generous donors made payment on their past pledges to the university. Pledges are just one way to make a donation, by providing a multiyear framework for donors to support Rider over time.

“I am extremely grateful to each and every individual and partner who supported Rider during this past fiscal year,” Karin Klim, vice president for university advancement, said. “Their commitment to the university’s mission and purpose continues to drive the momentum for our students’ success.”

Gifts to Rider University can be made online here.