Rider University alumnus gives record-breaking $1.5M gift to Annual Fund

An anonymous doner has gifted Rider University $1.5 million for the Lawrenceville-based school’s Annual Fund. The gift is a milestone, as it is the largest single gift the school has ever received for its Annual Fund.

“The generosity of all of our donors is inspiring,” university President Gregory Dell’Omo said. “This significant gift is just another example of the commitment of our alumni and friends to Rider students and their sincere desire to make a difference in their lives.”

The donor is an alumnus with strong ties to Rider. In addition to this gift, they previously have funded an endowed scholarship for students.

“Although this donor wishes to remain anonymous, I want to thank them publicly for their philanthropy and for their passionate support of Rider,” Dell’Omo said. “In particular, giving to the Annual Fund — a source of unrestricted support for the university — is especially appreciated, as it provides maximum flexibility.”

The Annual Fund is a top priority of the university’s ongoing fundraising campaign, Transforming Students – Transforming Lives. The campaign recently pushed beyond its original $80 million goal, raising $86.7 million so far, as it continues to raise support for campus initiatives.

The Annual Fund impacts nearly every aspect of life on campus, from current operating expenses to financial support for students. Gifts to the Annual Fund have an immediate impact, providing support to all aspects of the student experience. The fund allows the university to apply resources as needed across campus, supporting scholarships and financial aid; athletics; the arts; academics; student life; diversity and inclusion programs; student emergency funds; counseling and career planning.

So far, more than 16,000 donors have contributed to the University’s Transforming Students – Transforming Lives campaign. The campaign’s remaining priorities include generating further support for the Annual Fund, as well as for endowed scholarships and campus facilities.

To learn more about the campaign or to make a gift to Rider University, visit rider.edu/transform.