Rider Commencement Celebrates Class of 2020, 2021. See Photos

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — After commencement ceremony was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, Rider University, Lawrenceville, celebrated the class of 2020 and 2021, the past weekend.

The much-anticipated commencement saw more than 2400 Rider graduates from Classes of 2020 and 2021 participate in ceremonies held over two days — May 15 and 16.

The university hosted 12 small ceremonies under two large tents to accommodate all students on its Lawrenceville campus.

"Arriving at this moment is particularly meaningful this year," Rider President Gregory G. Dell'Omo told students.

"The COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges where there were none and made existing challenges even harder...You faced these circumstances with courage and overcame them with hope instead of despair, with faith instead of doubt. Everyone with us today shares that hope and faith in your future."

On May 14, 83 students from the Westminster College Class of 2021 graduated from Rider's Lawrenceville campus, for the first time in the university's history.

Voice performance major James Harris won a new car in the university's annual Cruisin' From Commencement contest, after the ceremony.

The contest was organized by the university's student-run radio station, 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM.

A total of 10 finalists lined up to test car keys in a new 2021 Toyota Corolla LE. Harris' key was the only one to start the engine.

To enter the contest, each finalist submitted a video talking about their college experience. A panel of judges selected the top 10.

Take a look at some happy pictures from Rider University's commencement ceremony. All photos are taken by Peter G. Borg/Rider University:

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