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2017 delivered a news cycle so tumultuous that measuring it in increments of 24 hours often felt inadequate. The stock market hit record highs, men in power sunk to pitiful lows. A series of three hurricanes devastated communities in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. A special counsel dogged an erratic new administration in the nation's capital.

It was a year that tested the stamina of even the most avid news junkie. And on a different scale, in a different environment, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ had much news of its own to deliver.

The University adopted a new strategic plan (its first since 2005) and launched an Engaged Learning Program that is envisioned as the new heart of a Rider education. The most diverse class of students ever in University history matriculated in the fall. And for the first time ever, students can now earn a doctorate in Lawrenceville.

In case you missed these stories or other major announcements, catch up on some of the biggest and most important developments that happened at º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ in 2017.

Launch of Engaged Learning Program

President Dell'Omo calls the University's new Engaged Learning Program "the heart of a Rider education." This year's freshman class is the first to experience the fully implemented program, which requires all new students to complete at least two high-impact engaged learning experiences to satisfy their graduation requirements.

A spike in student participation across a variety of campus events coincided with the program’s launch. Attendance has swelled for fall traditions, intramural sports and community building events, bringing a shot of fresh energy to campus.

New dance studio and other campus improvements

The School of Fine & Performing Arts opened a new dance studio in the fall semester, welcoming a historically large incoming class. The 2,200 square foot studio features an open dance room that accommodates around 20 people, an office for faculty, a lobby with lockers, two individual rehearsal spaces for voice students and more.

The new studio arrived alongside other renovations happening throughout the campus, including a renovated Starbucks inside the Student Recreation Center, upgrades to several residence halls, including the addition of air conditioning, and a new recruiting lounge and academic support center in Maurer Physical Education Center. Many more campus improvements are slated to start in 2018.

Class of 2021 is the most diverse ever

This fall, Rider welcomed more than 1,000 new freshmen to campus. The Class of 2021 is not only one of the largest in recent history, it is also the most diverse. Of the entire Class, 45% are underrepresented racial minorities. Overall, students hail from 28 states and 16 countries. More than a quarter of the class (27%) are the first in their family to attend college.

Progress made on securing bright future for Westminster Choir College

Rider made significant process in its efforts to find an institution to purchase Westminster Choir College and bring negotiations with a potential partner to a successful conclusion. Progress continues to be made on an agreement, and the University looks forward to a time when announcing the partner and making introductions to the campus community is appropriate. As stated throughout the year, the University is confident its actions will help preserve and enhance both Westminster and Rider as a whole.

Gary Taylor's historic milestone

Former wrestling head coach Gary Taylor capped an illustrious 39-year career by coaching a pair of wrestlers to All-America honors in Chad Walsh and Ryan Wolfe. It marked the 16th and 17th times in Taylor's career that he'd mentored a wrestler to All-American status, including six in the last 11 years. On the strength of 13 victories in his final season, Taylor passed former Minnesota Head Coach J Robinson for third all-time at Division I with 442 career dual wins.

Adoption of Strategic Plan

Our Path Forward, Rider's new strategic plan, was approved by the Board of Trustees on June 2. The plan outlines the decisive action Rider will take to achieve the visionary growth that is necessary to ensure the University’s sustainability into the future and provide successive generations of Rider students a transformative and affordable college experience.

Launch of first doctoral program

In the spring, Rider announced a new Doctor of Education in educational leadership, the first post-master’s degree in the University’s history. The hybrid program is designed to be completed in three years and includes coursework both on campus and online and two summer residencies. The degree proved extremely popular, with the first class arriving in July.

Return of Homecoming

Hundreds of Rider alumni, students, faculty and staff came out on Oct. 28 to celebrate their cranberry connection and enjoy the festivities at the University's first Homecoming event since 2004. The revival of this Rider tradition gave alumni another fun reason to return to Lawrenceville and reconnect with their alma mater.

The amazing success of the Class of 2016

In May, Rider’s Career Development and Success announced the results of an alumni survey, which found that within one year of graduation, 93 percent of Rider’s undergraduate Class of 2016 were employed, pursuing graduate study or volunteering.

The majority of survey respondents (72 percent) were employed, with 20 percent in graduate school and one percent volunteering. Six percent were seeking employment, with one percent not planning to enter the job market. The success of Rider graduates is a continual source of pride for the University.

Women's basketball first-ever NIT appearance

In a season of firsts, the women's basketball team checked another one off its list when the Broncs made their first-ever Women's NIT appearance. Thanks to finishing second in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference during the regular season and top-seeded Quinnipiac winning the MAAC Tournament title to advance to the NCAA Tournament, Rider earned the league's automatic bid to the WNIT.

College of Business Administration maintains AACSB accreditation

In April, the College of Business Administration learned that it maintained its business and accounting accreditation by AACSB International — a hallmark of excellence in business education that has been earned by less than five percent of the world's business schools.

Rider was one of only 78 institutions worldwide ratified by the AACSB Board of Directors to extend their global accreditation in business or accounting this year. There are currently a total of 786 business schools in 53 countries and territories that have earned AACSB Accreditation.

Women's Giving Challenge off to great start

Rider’s 150-year legacy of advancing women’s education entered a new phase this year with the start of the Rider Women’s Giving Challenge.

Joan Mazzotti ’72, a former chair of Rider's Board of Trustees and the recently retired executive director of Philadelphia Futures, is leading a giving team that pledged to match — dollar for dollar — up to $255,000 of all new or increased gifts made by or in honor of women, potentially resulting in an additional $510,000 in support of current and future students.

More than $23,000 was raised on Oct. 28, the day that officially launched the Challenge — a phenomenal start to an important fundraising initiative and a bright signal that more good news is to come for Rider in 2018.