Rider University on Thursday announced its fundraising campaign surpassed its initial $80 million mark and has set a new goal of $100 million. The comprehensive campaign, “Transforming Students — Transforming Lives,” is already the largest fundraising initiative in the university’s 159-year history. To date, the university campaign has raised $88.7 million from loyal and generous alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Rider.
The endeavor supports the university’s strategic plan through a focus on student support, strengthening the university as a whole and funding campus improvements that enhance the student experience.
“We are grateful for the incredible support that our Bronc community has demonstrated for Rider and its students since the start of this campaign,” Vice President of University Advancement Keith Richardson said. “Their incredible generosity has added scholarships, improved our campus and been key in moving Rider forward.”
Following a quiet phase, Rider President Gregory Dell’Omo publicly launched the campaign in October 2022 at an event during Homecoming Weekend. More than 16,000 individuals have contributed to the campaign so far.
Since the beginning of the campaign, 52 new endowed funds have been created — adding $21 million to Rider’s endowment; $15 million in campus improvements have been funded; and Rider’s Annual Fund has received nearly $10 million in contributions. In addition, more than $10 million in new planned gifts have been made, building a pipeline for the future.
With a little more than a year left before it concludes, the campaign’s focus is now on specific fundraising targets, including the expansion and continued renovation of Alumni Gym and the construction of a new strength and conditioning center. Completing this transformative project will support the aspirations of Rider’s scholar-athletes and usher in a new era in Rider athletics.
