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On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Rider kicked off their 150th anniversary with several key events, including the distribution of the first-ever sesquicentennial Medals of Excellence. During Cranberry Fest and the Doris Kearns Goodwin events, the first three medals were awarded to the Lawrenceville campus Student Government Association (SGA), Dr. Walter A. Brower '48 and the Times of Trenton.  

The SGA received their medal from Dean of Students, Dr. Anthony Campbell during Cranberry Fest on Campus Green. Allison Koury, the SGA President, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The Student Government Association was chosen to receive the medal because of its tireless efforts to build the bonds needed to make Rider run and to improve life on campus. SGA’s efforts include funding campus improvements such as the Turf field, the Daly’s Dining Hall renovation, the SRC and the new video board in front of the BLC. SGA is more exclusively known for serving as a sounding board for major decisions and supporting and planning events that create memories that last a lifetime. “The Student Government Association has always served as a beacon of experience, partnership and leadership – for that - the University is eternally grateful,” said Dean Campbell. 

The second medal was presented after the Doris Kearns Goodwin lecture Tuesday evening to Dr. Walter A. Brower '48. Dr. Brower has served the �鶹�� community for over 60 years as student, faculty member, alumni volunteer, Dean and unofficial historian. 

During his time at Rider, Dr. Brower has been vice president for Academic Affairs and provost and secretary of the Dean’s Council. As the former dean of the College of Education, Dr. Brower’s commitment earned the College national accreditation. Dr. Brower’s love and dedication to Rider is shown through his books Full of Promise: The Story of Rider College 1865 to 1994, and Keeping the Promise: The Story of �鶹�� 1994 to 2012, which are a collection of Brower’s anecdotal memories. 

Even though Dr. Brower officially retired from �鶹�� in 1993, he continued to work as an adjunct professor for years to come. President Mordechai Rozanski and Provost DonnaJean Fredeen presented the Medal of Excellence to Dr. Brower.

The third medal was awarded to The Times of Trenton. The primary news source in Central New Jersey for New Jersey government, national, and international news,The Times has been an active supporter of �鶹�� by covering all major news regarding the school and offering countless internships to many of its students. Publisher Sheila Gallagher-Montone and the editor-in-chief, Matt Dowling accepted the medal on behalf of the organization.

For the last 132 years, The Times has served Trenton and Mercer County as the region’s premier daily newspaper focusing on New Jersey government, national and international news. The newspaper has record of Rider’s major events such as groundbreaking for the new Lawrenceville campus in 1957 to the merger with Westminster Choir College in 1992.   

These three medals are just the beginning. Throughout 2014-2015 year, �鶹�� will be awarding medals to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the �鶹�� community. Honorees will include alumni, board members, faculty, staff, friends and organizations. These medals will be presented at an array of 150th events throughout the year.

For more information about upcoming events and honorees, visit the University’s 150th anniversary site at www.rider.edu/150.