WITHOUT A NET - Rider University
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Spor ts medicine and COVID-19 | 12 Post-pandemic wishes | 14 Problem gambling | 16 a magazine for alumni and friends Spring 2021 WITHOUT A NET Jo b l es s n es s , h o m e l e s s ne s s a nd food i n se c u r i t y a re re a l th re at s to co l l e ge st u de nt s ; K r i sti a n G ardn er ’2 0 rose a b ove t h e m a l l
Big Picture PIPES AND PEDALS Westminster Choir College junior Charles Ibsen performs on the Casavant organ (also known as the Scheide organ), which was relocated to Gill Chapel in October. The installation included a new movable console and additions of a 16-foot Principal and 16- foot Posaune to the Pedal. Both stops are full-length pipes and could not have been installed in Princeton due to the limited height of the studio.
Photo by Peter G. Borg
Contents
Spring 2021
14
Anticipating a
post-pandemic world
What the Broncs are most looking forward to
16
Risky business
With problem gambling on the rise, Dr. Mack Costello studies
its addictive nature in Rider’s Gambling Research Lab
20
Anything is possible
Joblessness, homelessness and food insecurity are real threats
to college students; Kristian Gardner ’20 rose above them all
DEPARTMENTS
4 Rider Roundup 8 Faculty Profile 10 Go Broncs! 24 Class Notes 30 5 Tips
2 RIDER .E D U /R I D E R M AGAZI N E
President’s Message PM
Volume 22 / Issue 2
Editor
Adam Grybowski
Dear alumni and friends,
Associate Editor
Rachel Stengel ’14, ’20 THE PANDEMIC HAS MADE THE EXPERIENCE OF LOSS AS
Art Direction and Design COMMON AS SAND AT THE JERSEY SHORE. SOME LOST
Tiffani Angelone
LOVED ONES, OTHERS LOST LIVELIHOODS AND STILL
Photography
Peter G. Borg MORE LOST THE EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES THAT CONNECT
Contributing Writers US TO ONE ANOTHER.
Shaun Clarida ’05
A.J. Moore
Gregory Ott So much loss has made Chuck and Isabel Baker.
this an exceedingly long, There is so much to look
Contributing Illustrators
Regan Dunnick
hard year. It is almost im- forward to this fall, but after
Murphy Lippincott possible, looking ahead to a season of athletic compe-
Natalie Nguyen a post-pandemic future, tition in empty arenas, I’m
Megan Rosanova
for our hearts not to swell sure many of us are particu-
in anticipation. I’m hap- larly thrilled about the pros-
President
Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D. py to report we remain pect of once-again cheering
cautiously optimistic that Rider will on the Broncs inside of Alumni Gym,
Vice President for
resume extensive in-person teaching, once it’s safe to do so. Anyone who has
University Advancement
Karin Klim housing, on-campus events and ac- ever experienced the energy inside
tivities this fall. “The Broncs’ Zoo” knows how inspir-
Associate Vice President
Such plans show that, after so ing and fun it can be for everyone on
for University Marketing
& Communications much darkness, we are finally be- campus. What truly excites me about
Kristine A. Brown ginning to see the light return. As we seeing the visible improvements
resume on-campus activities, I can taking shape inside Alumni Gym is
Alumni Association President
Stephen Brill ’01 assure you they won’t take place in knowing the impact they will have on
an environment frozen in time. Even our student-athletes, coaches and ath-
as we embraced the extraordinary letic trainers, and the foot-stomping
To reach us, write to:
2083 Lawrenceville Road challenge of operating a university fans who cheer them on.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-3099 during a pandemic, we never stopped While we can never regain what
609-896-5000
our efforts to move the University for- we lost during the pandemic, it is
magazine@rider.edu
rider.edu/ridermagazine ward. Fewer students may have been within our power, moving forward, to
living here, but our progress marched provide our campus community with
Rider (USPS 892-560) is published for the
ahead, notably on some major proj- the best overall experience we possi-
Rider University community, including
alumni, parents, faculty and staff, ects, including one that promises to bly can. For our student-athletes and
by Rider University. boost the profile of Rider University, fans in particular, the Rider Arena
the Rider Arena Project. Project will accomplish that goal.
We recently entered the final It’s time to bring the project home.
phase in our efforts to transform There are many ways to make your
Alumni Gym into a modern NCAA mark on Alumni Gym. Get involved
Division I arena. Through the support and learn more by visiting rider.edu/
of our loyal donors, Rider has invested bringing-it-home.
more than $11 million into this historic
facility, the first building ever on the Sincerely,
Lawrenceville campus and the home
of our basketball, volleyball and
wrestling teams. Major recent gifts
include an anonymous $2.5 million
commitment and a $1 million gift from Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D.
longtime Rider Athletics supporters President, Rider University
3
Rider Roundup
UNIVERSITY
News
Business minded
On Jan. 30, Maggie Achanzar, a senior at Mercer County
Technical School’s Health Science Academy, was named
the winner of the 2021 Norm Brodsky Business Concept
Competition. Her prize — a full, four-year scholarship
to Rider. Achanzar claimed the top prize after pitching
her product idea, Sili-Head, a mannequin head that
aims to solve many common problems for people
who use them to style wigs. She plans to study either
entrepreneurship or chemistry at Rider.
The annual competition challenges high school
students to develop an innovative business idea
and present it in front of a panel of judges, Shark
Tank style. It is sponsored by husband and wife
Norm ’64 and Elaine Brodsky. Norm, a long-time
entrepreneur, is the namesake of Rider’s Norm
Brodsky College of Business.
Ground breaking
On Nov. 30, 2020, Rider broke ground on a new wing of its Science and
Technology Center thanks to a $4 million leadership gift from Michael J. Hennessy
’82 in support of the project. The gift is the largest ever received at Rider for the
sciences. The University plans to name the building the Mike and Patti Hennessy
Science and Technology Center once the project is completed in January 2022.
The one-story addition will expand the size of the building to more than 79,000
sq. ft. and provide modern labs and classroom space for cybersecurity, anatomy
and physiology, as well as an evolving program in software engineering. The $7.5
to $8 million project will support a new greenhouse, along with distinct areas
meant to encourage collaboration, discussion and study. University Advancement
is currently fundraising in support of the project, which will allow Rider to
continue to integrate its newer disciplines of cybersecurity, computer science,
and health and exercise sciences with traditional offerings in biology, chemistry, Grammy moment
environmental science, mathematics and physics. Seven Westminster Choir College alumni were featured
Hennessy met his wife, Patrice “Patti” Shelmet Hennessy ’82, at Rider when in Grammy-winning recordings this year. In the Best
they were both students. Patti, who passed away in early 2020 after a long illness, Choral Performance category, the Grammy went to the
graduated from Rider with a bachelor’s in office administration. The couple have recording of Richard Danielpour’s oratorio The Passion
been longtime supporters of Rider, particularly its Rebovich Institute for New of Yeshuah. It features the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus
Jersey Politics. Once Hennessy learned about the expansion plans for the Science and Orchestra, whose chorus master is Adam Luebke
and Technology Center, he immediately saw the importance of such growth given ’04 (pictured above). Tenor Timothy Fallon ’03 is a
his business experience in sciences and health care media, as well as a way to soloist, and Ryan Russell Brown ’14 and Stephen Karr
commemorate Patti through this gift. ’04 sing in the chorus. Makeda Hampton ’09 is a member
Hennessy, who earned a bachelor’s in political science from Rider, is the found- of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus in the recording of
er and chairman of the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, which took home the Grammy
media company in North America, MJH Life Sciences. The company delivers for Best Opera Recording. Dominic Inferrera ’94 and
health care news to health professionals in the pharmaceutical, medical device, Linda Lee Jones ’08 sang in the Experiential Orchestra
diagnostic and biotech industries. He served as a Rider Trustee for nine years, and Chorus on a recording of Ethel Smyth’s The Prison,
completing his third three-year term in 2017. which won for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album.
4 R IDER. ED U /R I D E R M AGA ZI N E
Rider Roundup RR
Quotable A show of
support
Thomas ’70 and Tina
Mulhare committed
$600,000 to address
the University’s top
fundraising priorities.
“They are carrying Their gift helped support
the burden of an endowed scholarship,
the Annual Fund and
what they are a new patio. The Thomas
experiencing here ’70 and Tina Mulhare
at home and they Patio, adjacent to Sweigart
Hall, has become a
are going overseas relaxing spot on campus
and still fighting to enjoy lunch, study or
for a country that collaborate with peers.
doesn’t love them.”
- Junior Danielle “Dani” Jackson,
history and film and television Books and
double major, speaking about African
American World War I and II basketball
veterans who fought for their country
Rider participated in
abroad and for their own civil rights
the Metro Atlantic
at home. These heroes are the
subject of her documentary series,
Athletic Conference’s
A Two-Front War. A successful Time Out for Black
Kickstarter campaign raised more Lives initiative. College
than $8,000 to fund the filming of the basketball coaches
12-part series’ first episode. and student-athletes
released videos of
themselves reading
children’s stories with
positive messages about
College firsts New site, who’s this? Black culture, justice
for all and education on
Rider University was selected Rider launched a fully redesigned website on Oct. 28, 2020. The timeoutforblacklives.
to the Center for First- site features updated photography, content, design and interactive com. Rider Men’s
generation Student Success’ elements that reflect the University’s brand identity, as well as Basketball Head Coach
2021-22 First-gen Forward enhanced search powered by Google, a user-friendly academic Kevin Baggett read the
cohort. The designation program finder tool and multilingual translation. book I Got Next by Daria
recognizes institutions of The project was a collaboration between University Marketing Peoples-Riley. Rider
higher education that have & Communications, creative agency 160over90 and web Women’s Basketball
demonstrated a commitment development agency KWALL, with input from key stakeholders, Head Coach Lynn
to improving experiences and such as students, faculty and staff. Five students — studying Milligan read the book
advancing outcomes of first- computer science, marketing and business communication — This is Your Time by
generation college students. gained hands-on experience working on the new website. Ruby Bridges.
5
RR Rider Roundup
UNIVERSITY
News
Quotable
“My goal is to
eventually become
a business owner
and company
executive, to create
a scholarship fund to
help students, and
Lasting impression to use my platform
to provide a voice
The Rider community recently lost two prominent members, each with a personality that inspired for minorities,
seemingly universal admiration from all — Dr. Jonathan Yavelow and Eugene Marsh ’13, ’18.
especially Africans
Yavelow died on Oct. 29, 2020, due to lung cancer. He was 68. Yavelow taught at Rider for 38 years,
serving as the assistant dean for the sciences, faculty director of the University’s Health Studies like myself who are
Institute and the chair of the biology department. Many remember Yavelow for his unwavering often marginalized.”
optimism, exuberant personality and steadfast loyalty to Rider.
- Senior global supply chain management
“Anything involving Jonathan was almost guaranteed to be more lively, interesting and fun,” says
major Nunana Honutse, who was
Dr. Kelly Bidle, the dean of Rider’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “He was not just a wonderful selected out of 135 undergraduate
and brilliant colleague; he was an amazing person and mentor who left an impression on everyone who students to earn the John Galt
had the chance to know him.” Solutions’ $10,000 Scholarship for
In addition to his teaching, Yavelow was a consultant and visiting scientist at a number of insti- Future Supply Chain Leaders
tutions, and his research was published in numerous scientific journals. Yavelow was the recipient
of multiple research grants and was appointed in 2012 by the governor of New Jersey to serve as a
commissioner on the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research. Last year, colleagues, former
students and friends established The Jonathan Yavelow Scholarship Fund, a new scholarship endowed
in his honor to benefit undergraduate science students with financial need. Climate change
Marsh died on Jan. 29 from COVID-19 complications. He was 71. At the time of his death, Marsh was
enrolled in Rider’s Doctor of Educational Leadership program, the capstone of his relentless late-in-life collaboration
quest for education. He had previously earned a bachelor’s in liberal studies and a master’s in clinical The U.S. Department of Energy
mental health counseling, both from Rider. recently awarded a team of
Growing up in South Carolina during an era of segregation, Marsh was among the first African collaborators that includes
American students to integrate his all-white high school. He went on to become a decorated Vietnam Rider biology professor Dr.
War veteran, but unable to secure employment after returning home, he became homeless for about Kerrie Sendall a $1.6 million
three years. He eventually began a career in construction with Duke Power Company. In 1998, he grant. They will use the grant
founded his own firm in New Jersey, Construction Project Management Services, Inc. The company’s to support their efforts to
projects included renovations to the Statue of Liberty in 2009. study the effects of climate
Marsh wanted to use his education not simply as a means of personal fulfillment but as a tool to help change on salt marsh plant
other people. He was particularly focused on mentoring and counseling veterans and Black people. communities in Maryland.
6 RIDER .E D U /R I D E R M AGAZI N E
Rider Roundup RR
Transfer credit
Rider was once again named
A tribute to
to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor
Society’s annual Transfer
‘Miss Ann’
Honor Roll. Rider was among Those who visited Daly Dining Hall from the 1980s through the
only 150 colleges and universi- 2000s know the name ‘Miss Ann.’ Ann Keith was a constant
ties nationwide to receive the presence in thousands of students’ daily lives. Whether it was a
recognition and one of only six good day, a bad day or simply an average one, Miss Ann always
institutions recognized in New had time to share a few kind or quick-witted words as she swiped
Jersey. The Transfer Honor students into the dining hall. After her death in April 2020,
Roll recognizes four-year col- faculty, staff, students and alumni showed an outpouring of love
leges and universities that have for her on social media. Some recall how she never let a student go
developed transfer pathways hungry, her words of encouragement or reassurance that helped
that lead to excellence and suc- them through difficult times, and her perpetual generosity.
cess among community college
transfer students. One of every
four Rider undergraduates is a
transfer student. 65
“ My time at Rider was enhanced by
her. She was THE Daly’s mom and I
think she knew how much everyone
“ If you went to Rider, you knew adored her. RIP Ms. Ann. ”
this woman for a fact. There were
countless times she went out of her
$1.6 million way to help other students including
myself, whether it was from having
a bad day or your swipe not
Rider’s Student Support
working. Ms. Ann will truly be loved “ Miss Ann radiated warmth and
Services Program was awarded
and never forgotten. ” kindness. I always looked forward to
a new federal grant sponsored
visiting Daly’s and chatting with Miss
by the U.S. Department of
Ann. She always spoke of her children
Education. The grant, which and grandchildren and how much she
is funded for five years, from loved her Rider family. As a parent,
2020 through 2025, assists it was so comforting to know such a
low-income, first-generation “ It’s amazing how someone can make sweet, nurturing woman was watching
students at Rider, as well such a big impact on your life without over my daughter and her classmates
really having a close friendship with while they were away from home.
as those who are homeless,
that person. Everyone at Rider knew Sending prayers to the Keith family. ”
veterans and individuals with and loved Miss Ann. ”
disabilities to develop the
academic, social, intellectual
and emotional skills to help
them find success in college.
The total award of $1.6 “ We always say RIDER is about the
million will be distributed “ Miss Ann was so pure and genuine. people. Miss Ann from my days as a
She was one of the first people I saw student to my days as a coach was
over the next five years to
after news on 9/11 hit. She was a huge one of the best!!! RIP. ”
provide orientation activities,
comfort to many of us confused 18
workshops, services and other
year old kids. She was a bright light in
resources to help students this world. Condolences to her family. ”
transition to Rider and
integrate successfully into the
University community.
7
Faculty Profile
Dr. Kathleen Pierce
P R O F E S S O R I N T H E D E PA R T M E N T O F
G R A D U A T E E D U C A T I O N , L E A D E R S H I P,
AND COUNSELING
Dr. Kathleen Pierce is ready for the next phase of
education. While the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly
forced education into a mainly virtual environ-
ment, it also provided a catalyst to challenge the
way educators think about engaging their students.
“The idea of ‘sage on the stage’ and ‘the teacher as
transmitter of knowledge’ — it took a pandemic for
people to see that really doesn’t work,” she says.
As a professor in Rider’s post-baccalaure-
ate teacher certification and Master of Arts in
Teaching programs, Pierce specializes in pre-
paring career changers to become K-12 teachers.
Throughout the pandemic, she has witnessed the
immense dedication and creativity the next wave
of teachers is bringing to the profession. One of her
students called her kindergarteners on the phone
to coach them in math because they didn’t have
computers. Another led her students through the
creation of a full-length radio play.
Collaboration and creation are at the heart of
Pierce’s personal pedagogy. Learning is not about
memorization or mimicking; it is most effective
when students create something original, she be-
lieves. Since 2015, Pierce’s graduate students have
been working with Amanda Schott’s ’16 eighth
graders. Each fall, the Rider students mentor the
eighth graders using Google Drive to produce a
final compilation of creative writing.
“They learn so much about listening to and
working with students,” Pierce says. “It’s not just
about teaching seven subjects. It’s about knowing
your kids and being able to help them learn by
creating a space where it’s OK to be themselves
and express themselves.”
8 RIDER . E D U / R I D E R M AGAZI N EFaculty Profile FP
“ I TEACH because it’s immensely exciting
and fulfilling to be a part of others’ growth
and help them find their own voice.”
What has it been field of education a book of writing or a group
like preparing moving forward? project that has some substance
career changers to There are many of us interested allows them to grow and make
become teachers in transforming education at use of their own knowledge, not
every level and this was an just acquire facts.
during a pandemic?
opportunity to do so. In the panic,
Some of our students lost their the first reaction was to give out What does it mean
day jobs, had to move back in worksheets to keep people busy. to be a teacher in
with parents or they have chil- That’s not engaging work in the
2021 and beyond?
dren of their own, so there were online environment or in physical
heavy and various pressures on classrooms. The pandemic has re- It’s about people and pedagogy.
them. The state hasn’t lessened ally challenged us to find ways to Prior to the pandemic, some
any of the requirements for make the learning transformative thought that technology had the
being a teacher, so it’s been hard for students in a remote environ- answers for transforming educa-
and incessant work. This past ment, but this is not about Zoom. tion, but we have seen technology
year, we’ve all been first-year For learning to be transformative, has its profound drawbacks and
teachers as we navigate chal- we have to ask good questions and surprising opportunities. You have
lenging constraints. create our own knowledge and to care for people as human beings
I’ve learned so much from agency, rather than simply saying, to help them learn something new
my students. We’re constantly “I know this. I know that.” and develop their own agency. I’m
trading tips and strategies to When I was trained in under- introducing my beginning teachers
really engage in this virtual grad for English, it was all about into the world of schooling and di-
environment. the content. There was no way I verse kids and how much an adult
could really learn to be a teacher who listens can make a difference.
How will the until I was in the classroom. You have to be interested in who
dramatic shift from Students come to our program to students are rather than just
the typical in- learn how to strategize so their what the curriculum dictates.
students can grapple and learn A thoughtful teacher can blend
person classroom
something new and make original By Rachel Stengel ’14, ’20 student playfulness and learning
set up impact the work of it. Having students create Photos by Peter G. Borg with the curriculum.
What’s in your (home) office, professor?
Logan, my 4-year-old dog Writing partnership
Logan has become the collection
neighborhood therapy dog, Since we could not meet
always accepting belly rubs in person for this year’s
on our walks. He’s usually writing partnership as we
announcing every person typically do, we compiled
or delivery truck that a digital version thanks to
passes by, when he’s not my student Sophia Brana.
napping under my desk. This year’s theme was ‘grit.’
9Go Broncs!
ATHLETIC
HIGHLIGHTS
2020 21
-
WINTER /SPRING
P I C T U R E D : M A K AY L A F I R E B A U G H , F R E S H M A N C R I M I N A L J U S T I C E M A J O R
R I C H I E C A S TA N E D A , S O P H O M O R E F I N A N C E A N D S P O R T S M A N A G E M E N T D O U B L E M A J O R
On top
In March, graduate student Jesse Dellavecchia ’20 became Rider wrestling’s first-ever national finalist, as well as Rider’s 18th NCAA All-American.
He advanced to the national championship bout at 157 pounds by pinning top-seeded Ryan Deakin of Northwestern in the biggest win in Rider
wrestling history. Prior to Dellavecchia’s win, the furthest a Rider wrestler had gone at the NCAAs was to the third-place bout, an accomplishment
the Broncs have boasted five times. After falling in the national championship bout, he ended the season at 11-1. “Jesse has dedicated his life to the
sport and has been completely devoted to our program and University from day one on campus,” says Head Coach John Hangey.
Photo by Larry Slater
10 RIDE R . E D U / R I D E R M AGAZI N EGo Broncs! GB
Freshman guard
A Whole New Ballgame
Makayla Firebaugh
earned MAAC Co-
Rookie of the Year,
becoming the first Rider A.J. MOORE ON SPORTS AND MEDIA
player to earn the honor
in Lynn Milligan’s 14
years as head coach.
Firebaugh averaged Mint
condition
a team-high 11 points
per game this season
and was also named
BASKETBALL
to the MAAC All-
Championship Team. ARE DIGITAL COLLECTIBLES THE
Associate Professor of
NEW SPORTS TRADING CARDS? Journalism A.J. Moore is
Junior guard the director of Rider’s
program in sports media.
Dwight Murray Jr. By A.J. Moore
was an All-MAAC and
National Association of Quick, go look in your basement for that Cal Ripken Jr. rookie baseball card you once
Basketball Coaches All- treasured. While down there, look for the cherished Mickey Mantle card your father passed
District 1 Second Team down to you. Then keep searching for that three-ring binder filled with pages of Gregg
selection after leading Jefferies cards you were once certain would help pay for a retirement condo in Florida.
Rider men’s basketball Chances are those sports cards are long gone from your possession. They were likely
in scoring, rebounding, sold off, lost or given away to a thrift store by your parents the moment you moved out of
assists, double-doubles, the house — all common experiences for people who collected baseball cards in the 1980s
free-throw percentage and early ’90s. Then, in the mid ’90s, many people ignored the once thriving sports card
and minutes per game industry altogether after it collapsed because of its own failed overproduction.
this season. A second chance is now upon us to get back into the sports trading market.
Instead of dealing with player images on cardboard, today it’s about digitized player
highlight snippets. Just get ready to pay a lot — as in six figures — for the prized
Senior Austin Devereux commodities in this market.
won the 119th New Jersey Sure, the traditional cards are still around. The digital highlights (or moments) though,
Amateur Championship backed by cryptocurrencies, are more attractive to the younger, modern sports fan accus-
in August. In his first tomed to being on their phone at all times and having around-the-clock access to media,
tournament of Rider’s daily fantasy sports and online gambling.
GOLF
season, he ran away with These non-fungible digital properties are similar to bitcoin but encrypted to be unique.
the title at the MAAC The sports lull during the peak of the pandemic got investors interested, and the media is
Spring Kickoff, shooting now taking note after so many high-priced transactions.
10-under par. The next- The main entity involved with these digital assets, and a name you should know, is
closest competitor was NBA Top Shot. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company processed more than $250
nine strokes back. million in sales from over 100,000 buyers in February alone.
Part of the meteoric rise and money exchanged for digital highlights is the company’s
deal with the NBA and its players to reward them with a portion of all sales. That means the
league promotes this burgeoning market and players looking to make a side hustle gladly
Sophomore Richie
post information about their own highlights on social media to influence their followers.
Castaneda finished
Just like trading days of old, consumers can get in relatively cheap. Chip in a couple of
C R O S S C O U N T RY
15th at MAAC
bucks for rookie players, in hopes of investing in a hot commodity at the ground level. Or
Championships to earn
with enough funds, go bigger for the established superstars like LeBron James. (The James
All-MAAC honors,
or Giannis Antetokounmpo zip code is where people are playing the six figure sums.)
helping Rider to a
Unbeknownst to so many sports fans is the fact that while they are watching these
third-place finish as
players’ highlights on television, others are paying exorbitant funds for uniquely
a team. The third-
digitized versions of them.
place performance
You don’t have to sit idly by. The time is here to get into the digital highlights market and
matched Rider’s best-
rectify any mistakes made in your youth with sports trading cards. Just be ready to pay a lot
ever finish at MAAC
more money than you did with the wax packs sold at your local drugstore.
Championships.
Also, make sure not to lose your digital password.
11GB Go Broncs!
anxiety and depression at large.
The situation could be particular-
Safety
ly hard for student-athletes.
“Some of these athletes had their
seasons yanked out from under-
measures
neath them,” Lengle says, “and
the concepts of quarantine and
isolation aren’t ones anyone likes.”
To provide an effective re-
sponse, the sports medicine staff
RIDER SPORTS MEDICINE leaned into their formal training
— last year, they became one of
CONFRONTS THE CORONAVIRUS the only athletics departments
in the nation to become certified
By Adam Grybowski in mental health first aid — and
drew upon their close relation-
ship with Rider’s Counseling
I
Services for additional support.
n his role as head athletic trainer for Rider Despite these challenges
Athletics, Tim Lengle is accustomed to treating and others, Lengle describes
the winter season as a success.
the common injuries athletes routinely face. While quarantines were at
Still, “there’s a surprise every day,” he says. “You times necessary, each of those
occurrences ultimately involved
never know what you’re going to be dealing with.” a limited number of cases. Jesse
Dellavecchia ’20 became Rider’s
Last March, the biggest surprise chain economics, epidemiology. first-ever wrestler to advance to
of Lengle’s career arrived: the Over the summer the entire sports the national championship bout.
coronavirus pandemic. medicine staff became certified Both the men’s and women’s
The Metro Atlantic Athletic contact tracers. “All of these things basketball teams exceeded expec-
Conference (MAAC) responded you never thought would be your tations in the MAAC tournament.
by pulling the plug on athletic job became necessary,” he says. Lengle credits the way stu-
competition, first in the spring The stakes were high. The onus dent-athletes responded to this
and then again in the fall. Last was on Rider to keep people safe season’s stressful conditions.
November, the MAAC an- and healthy. Testing and contact “They embraced the fact that if
nounced that competition would tracing imposed a significant they wanted to have a season
finally resume. financial and workload burden. and compete, then this is the
Lengle wanted nothing more Failure could mean not only the reality,” he says. “I chalk that up
than for the return to succeed, but end of competition but, even to our student-athletes buying
he harbored doubts about how more troubling, the beginning into COVID prevention strate-
it could be accomplished. “In my of a breakout on campus. All the gies and doing their best not to
gut, I didn’t see how we would get while, standards and guidelines go out and be social like normal
through it,” he says. “We made a lot were evolving, sometimes with college students.”
of changes and intelligent decisions barely a moment’s notice. Over his 20 years as an athletic
that certainly lowered the risk. The coronavirus was also exac- trainer at Rider, Lengle says this
But still, when you have 20 or 30 erbating conditions that affected year has been the most difficult.
athletes in a room, if anyone of mental health, a growing area And while he’s proud of what
them has COVID, there’s a chance of importance for Lengle’s staff. his staff has accomplished, he
everyone is going to soon have it.” Over time, he says he has seen can’t wait for the post-pandemic
To prepare for the challenge, “more and more” student-athletes future. “In the athletic training
Lengle and his team dove deep struggling with mental health, room, the joy is in treating
into several unfamiliar areas. a trend that mirrors student student athletes and helping
Recalling those subjects, he populations across the U.S. As them get better through hands-on
sounds like an ambitious under- the pandemic upset livelihoods work,” he says. “We’re fortunate
graduate ticking off his course and curbed social interaction, re- at Rider to have a fantastic staff.
roster: infectious disease, supply searchers noted increased rates of Photo by Peter G. Borg We’d be struggling otherwise.”
12 RIDE R . E D U / R I D E R M AGAZI N E13
When the “ I can’t wait to… ”
Broncs
are back
“...attend the basketball
games with my friends.”
- Mike Powell
Freshman sports media major
Looking ahead to a
post-pandemic world
“...eat my favorite meal from
Throughout the past year, Daly Dining Hall.”
- Daryl Gregory
the Rider community has kept Sophomore popular music
studies major
so many simple wishes bottled
up inside — their desires for
what they want to do but can’t
“...be back at Rider, seeing my
because of the COVID-19 friends every day, walking to class,
getting Starbucks beforehand and
going to Crans for lunch.”
pandemic. As vaccines begin
- Suzette Rodriguez
Sophomore finance major
to provide a light at the end of
the tunnel and a hopeful path
to a post-pandemic world,
“...serendipitously cross paths
Rider magazine asked the with current and former students
in hallways and on campus.”
University community to finish - Dr. Bonnie Lehet
Assistant professor, Department of Graduate
the sentence “I can’t wait to...” Education, Leadership, and Counseling
Here’s what they said. “...send students to study
abroad and welcome
more international
students to campus!”
- Meghan Korb ’17
Master’s of business communication
student and graduate assistant for the
Center for International Education
“...do a semester in Los
Angeles my senior year.”
- Jenni Profera
Freshman theatre major
Illustrations by Megan Rosanova“...experience that unforgettable
moment of absolute unity when singing
the Lutkin Benediction with my entire
Westminster Choir College family.”
- Ally Jurgens
Junior music education major
“...stand and walk around
a classroom while I teach, and “...have a picnic with friends
see more than just my on the Campus Mall.”
students’ heads and torsos.” - Olivia Gillingham ’19
- Dr. Cara DiYanni Master’s of business
Associate professor, administration student
Department of Psychology
“...be back in the teaching labs with
our students, providing them with the
‘high-touch’ faculty interactions that
make our science programs so strong.”
- Dr. James Riggs
Professor, Department of Biology, Behavioral “...hang out in the Commuter Lounge
Neuroscience and Health Sciences with all my friends.”
- Belveth Simon
Sophomore secondary education
and mathematics major
“...take my kids on campus
to enjoy sunny walks
around the beautiful lake.”
- Jessi Oliano ’03, ’06
Lecturer, Department of
Communication and Journalism
“...win the grand prize at “...see EVERYONE in person and feel
the Eggscellent Egg Hunt, the energy and excitement of being on
because I WILL win.” a college campus.”
- Peter Strippoli
- Dr. DonnaJean Fredeen
Junior business analytics and
Provost and vice president for academic affairs
sports management double major
“...dance on stage with my
Rider Dance Ensemble family.”
- Becca Martin
Junior elementary education major
“...play pool in the
Student Recreation Center
with my friends.”
- Sean Rampersad
Sophomore general liberal arts major
15WITH PROBLEM GAMBLING ON THE RISE,
DR. MACK COSTELLO STUDIES ITS ADDICTIVE NATURE
IN RIDER’S GAMBLING RESEARCH LAB.
By Rachel Stengel ’14, ’20
Photography by Peter G. Borg | Illustrations by Natalie Nguyen
T
he biggest winners and losers are in New Jersey “What problem gambling looks like will vary quite a bit,
— in terms of gambling that is. In 2020 alone, but what it will come down to is that someone gambles too
bettors wagered $6 billion on New Jersey sports much for their life,” he says. “It absorbs a large amount of
books and subsequently lost $393.2 million, their time and resources — cognitive and otherwise — to the
both records in any state for any year, according to the state’s point where it interferes with their relationships and anything
Department of Gaming Enforcement. The same year, the state else they want to do or used to do. There’s a lot that makes it
raked in $2.88 billion in gross gaming revenue. Gambling has complicated. What becomes clear with problem gambling — it’s
traditionally been big business in New Jersey, but with new under-treated and understudied.”
online options and legalized sports betting, the prevalence of Costello is an expert in problem gambling or gambling
problem gambling has increased, experts say. disorder, as officially classified by the American Psychological
People gamble for a variety of reasons beyond the thrill Association in the DSM-5. Gambling disorder was first
of possibly winning big, but not everyone who gambles has a categorized as an impulse control disorder, called pathological
gambling problem. The World Health Organization estimates gambling, in the 1980s. But its modern definition as a behav-
1-6% of the population suffers from problem gambling. What ioral addiction better addresses the brain’s reward system
makes one person a recreational gambler and one a problem associated with gambling.
gambler? That’s something Dr. Mack Costello has been asking Look at the reinforcement system of a slot machine. Press
himself a lot in the last decade. the button or pull the lever and watch the reels align. Hit triple
17for any kind of addiction.
There are a number of
treatment and intervention
options available, from programs
like Gamblers Anonymous and
1-800-GAMBLER that provide
support groups to self-help
programs. As a Doctoral Board
Certified Behavior Analyst,
Costello uses applied behavior
analysis to treat gambling
addiction. This approach strives
to find new behaviors for people
to engage in to replace gambling
and manage those behaviors with
Dr. Mack Costello, an expert in
a rewards system.
problem gambling, joined Rider’s
Department of Psychology in 2015. “When you look at most
successful behavioral interven-
tions for addiction, still the most
common outcome of that or any
addiction treatment is relapse.
cherries, you win. Try again, gamble for an extended period You have to be ready for that,”
lose. Try again, lose. The random of time. Costello likes to look at he says. “What you want the
nature of the game combined with one’s days and dollars gambled to person to have are these skills to
the chance of a reward can be evaluate both factors. do other things or deal with the
incredibly addictive for some. “Even if it doesn’t seem like urge or whatever it is that leads
“It’s a very simple rein- they’re gambling too much in fre- them to gamble.”
forcement schedule, but a very quency, they could be gambling too Most treatments strive for
powerful one,” Costello says. much in magnitude and could lose abstinence from gambling, but
“That random-ratio schedule is a lot of money, which could ruin some tend to focus on harm
what all gambling or games of their lives and compound other reduction as total abstinence may
chance rely on.” problems,” he says. “There’s a lot not be the most realistic goal for
Other games like poker and of ways the problems can start and everyone. Matching the correct
blackjack are presented as skill- maintain themselves. It can be too treatment method to the person
based games that require more much time or money involved. A is key to a productive interven-
strategic thought than a slot lot of times it’s both when someone tion, Costello says. Enrolling
machine. Players have choices really gets themselves in trouble in treatment, getting treatment
they can make throughout with gambling and seeks help.” early and staying committed
the game, which may give some to it are all frequent problems
T
a sense of control regarding related to addressing gambling
the outcome. he costs of gambling addiction. There are large
“You may have somebody addiction are high, dropout rates in clinical studies
who’s losing a lot, but has for the individual for gambling addiction treatment,
some idea that they can win,” and public health. up to 50% in a study published in
Costello says. “That’s going to Those with gambling-related Clinical Psychology Review.
be a hard thing to get some- problems tend to have poor to fair “I think a sad reality is that
body to stop doing even if they general health. Some research cites things just get too bad,” Costello
have some awareness of their comorbidity rates as high as 90% says. “A lot of times, when some-
illusion of control. The game for problem gamblers, who may one goes to treatment it’s likely
has some things that you just suffer from other illnesses and they’re going to present that it’s
can’t control.” disorders such as depression, taken over their life and that’s
For some, the punishment substance abuse and personality a tough situation to be in. How
of losing money isn’t enough to disorders. The National Council do you catch something like this
dissuade them from continuing on Problem Gambling estimates early and stop it? There’s a lot
to gamble. Instead, they may that one in five gambling addicts of ideas about that, but we don’t
double down or continue to attempts suicide, the highest rate really have clear solutions.”
18 RIDE R .E D U /R I D E R M AGAZI N EG “
rowing up in led him to New Jersey, which
Florida, Costello has some of the highest rates of
had exposure to problem gambling. Recent data What problem
gambling. Sure, cites a 6.3% rate of gambling dis-
poker, dice games, slots and other orders among residents — triple gambling looks
casino favorites are wagered on the rate in comparison to other
in Florida, but the state also has populations. like will vary
a history of betting on dog and Shortly after joining Rider’s
horse races and one of the fastest Department of Psychology as an quite a bit, but
(literally, in terms of speed) sports assistant professor in 2015, he
in the world, jai alai. began the process to secure slot what it will come
“The presentation of gambling machines for the department.
is different for certain people in After much back and forth with down to is that
certain places. In Florida, there the state, Costello acquired four
are things that people in other casino slot machines to join a someone gambles
places don’t even know what I’m range of computer-based and
talking about, like jai alai,” he table games in Rider’s Gambling too much for
says. “It’s a high-action sport that Research Lab. Located on the third
kind of exists for betting like horse floor of the Science and Technology their life.
”
racing. I’m a kid growing up so I Center, the lab has been vital for
didn’t realize that not everyone Costello and his students.
understands gambling this way. Prior to the COVID-19
That became really clear when I pandemic, walk-in volunteers,
started studying it and talking to many of whom were students, a Gambling Research Lab and at
others who study it. I feel like I particularly high-risk category Parks Casino in Bensalem, Pa.
have something to add.” for potential gambling addiction, Although overall differences
Costello’s interest in risky would spend time playing the slot appear in the final data set, Patel
behavior and problem gambling machines, while Costello and his noted many similarities between
students observed their behav- the students studied in the lab
iors. The researchers sought to and the real-world casino-goers.
establish some general population “The data we collected helped
benchmarks for how people play showcase how much time people
— how long, how much they bet, spent on gambling, which can
how many wins and loses. lead to addiction, and their
“Everybody in behavior- motivation for going to casinos
al-related psychologies will and sitting at slot machines,” she
understand that what says. “A lot of the research can be
you have happen in generalized to similar experienc-
the lab is going to es in the lab or at casinos.”
be different from In some cases, those in the lab
what happens in who had pretty consistent losing
other environ- streaks tended to quit quickly,
ments,” Costello Patel says. Some who had a little
says. “We have this success building their imaginary
slightly more valid profit became invested in chasing
laboratory and we a win, personifying the addictive
can get good data nature of gambling, even without
to benchmark what any real money involved.
happens in there with “They were more inclined
what happens in casinos.” to stay a little longer. It could be
Avisha Patel ’20 was part of a fake voucher for $2,500, but it
the research team as a graduate was interesting to see those who
student in Rider’s applied wanted to utilize that amount of
psychology program. She fake money,” Patel says. “They
observed participants’ interac- really wanted to see where the
tions with slot machines in the fake money would take them.”
19A p air of c han ce e vent s i n h i s j un i o r ye a r l e f t K r i sti a n G a rd n e r ’2 0
home le s s an d dep res sed. N ow o n hi s way to hi s to p c ho i ce fo r a d oc to ra l
ANYTHING IS
pro gram, h i s p ower f u l stor y of v ul n e ra b i l i t y a n d re s i l i e n ce s hows th at
POSSIBLE.
By Adam Grybowski
Photography by Peter G. Borg
F
rom a distance, it would have been hard to distinguish New Jersey. No matter what life threw at him, he had always made
what made Kristian Gardner ’20 different from his it work and this time, he felt like he could do it again.
peers at Rider. But then more bad news arrived. The lease on his off-campus
It was the spring of 2017, and like many if not most college apartment was not going to be renewed, and Gardner and his five
students, he was scraping by financially but blossoming intel- roommates had to find other places to live.
lectually. His grades were good, as were his post-graduation job These twin events, taken in tandem, exposed a dangerous
prospects. Gardner had chosen his field of study, accounting, more vulnerability. Like many college students (and Americans in
for practical reasons than passion. He felt confident it would lead general), Gardner had little savings to count on. He didn’t own a
to a stable career, and he had already secured internships that were car. He had a complicated relationship with his family, made more
greasing the wheels for a successful launch into the job market. complicated by the death of his mother when he was in 10th grade,
He was well-liked, creating friendships as easily with his and he couldn’t fall back on family as others could, including some
fraternity brothers as with the administrators and faculty he of his roommates, who moved back in with their parents.
had gotten to know since transferring from Mercer County To continue making headway toward his bachelor’s degree,
Community College in 2015. Gardner needed a job. To land a job, he needed to prove he had a
In many ways, Gardner was cruising, content to make the place to live. To obtain a new lease, he needed a security deposit. To
temporary sacrifices almost all college students make so he could save up for a security deposit, he needed a job.
later leverage his education into a richer, more fulfilling life. This perverse cycle was the beginning of a spiral into darkness.
Then, one day, he was laid off from his job at a call center. “Coming into this situation in the first place, I’m a nontradi-
Though the news was unwelcome, it was likely only a temporary tional student,” says Gardner, 32, about pursuing an education. “I
setback. Gardner had held many jobs since striking out on his own don’t have that family support others can take for granted. I’ve been
at 18, when he left his birthplace of New York City and moved to trying to figure out this whole thing on my own.”At first, Gardner couch-surfed, bounc- usage of the Pantry doubling after the benefit students facing unexpected
ing around amongst friends. He recalls pandemic began, with a coinciding spike financial burdens so that they can fulfill
their generosity, the loaning of blankets, in requests for cleaning supplies. immediate critical needs, such as paying
the sneaking into basements to elude the “We see students who use the Pantry medical bills not covered by insurance,
awareness of landlords. But over time, once and we also see students who devel- covering losses of income or housing,
as he continued having trouble securing op a regular pattern of use,” he says. and securing an Internet hotspot to
a job, he grew embarrassed, guilty and The Pantry is open to all Rider stu- access remote instruction.
depressed. His grades suffered. Food dents, including part-time and graduate “The pandemic has affected all of
became scarce. He eventually stopped students. It is run entirely by student us, shaking the foundations of so many
going to class altogether. Desperate, he left volunteers and funded solely through everyday things we can normally take for
New Jersey and moved to a shelter in New donations. These include an annual granted,” says Rider President Gregory G.
York City near Penn Station and then to $5,000 boost from Gourmet Dining, the Dell’Omo, Ph.D. “But it has been an even
another in Harlem. University’s food service partner, and greater challenge for those students who
“It got to the point where I was a $4,000 donation from Whole Foods carry additional burdens. Unfortunately,
genuinely ready to give up,” he says. “I Market’s Nickels for Nonprofits Program we expect many of those needs to persist,
nosedived.” last August. A recently purchased refrig- and we are constantly looking for ways to
erator has allowed the Pantry to provide provide them with more support.”
S
healthier, fresh food options.
D
uch vulnerability is not atypical. Multiple reports have concluded that
Survey results released in 2019 lack of basic needs can negatively impact espite everyone’s best efforts,
by the Hope Center for College, a student’s academic efforts and perfor- some students still slip
Community, and Justice paint a mance. This was certainly the case with through the cracks. One of
portrait of substantial insecurity of basic Gardner, whose sterling academic stand- them was Kristian Gardner
needs amongst college students. ing fell off a cliff after he lost his job and — or almost was. After living in homeless
The Hope Center reported that about his apartment. For a time, as he struggled shelters for months, Gardner had enough.
41% of students at four-year institutions of to meet his basic needs, he stopped going “Eventually, I said to myself, this isn’t the
higher education experienced food insecu- to his classes altogether and became com- trajectory I want to be on,” he says.
rity in the previous 30 days preceding the pletely disengaged from the University. Finally, he was offered a new job,
survey. One-quarter of survey respon- Rider has pursued other ways to assist once again in telemarketing. Gardner
dents enrolled in four-year institutions students who face these circumstances. began working full time and moved back
said they had trouble paying their rent Recently, it stepped up its efforts after to New Jersey. Then he got a second job
or mortgage, with 16% having skipped the coronavirus pandemic began its working weekends, and then a third in
paying a full amount recently. destructive march, particularly among the evenings. “The checks were nice, but I
Rider is far from immune from these the most vulnerable. Since last spring, was killing myself,” he says. “And I didn’t
trends. In 2018, the University created Rider has been raising money to directly know what my next step was.”
The Rider Resource Pantry to give stu-
dents a place where they can access food,
clothing, toiletries and other essential
resources they may lack.
Rayjohn Felicia ’18 was a senior ac-
counting major when the Pantry opened.
Today, he is back at Rider pursuing a
master’s in business administration and
also serving as a graduate assistant who
oversees the Pantry’s daily operations.
“As an undergrad, I knew that there
MY DRIVING FACTOR WAS,
was an issue with students who don’t
have as much as other students,” he
says. “Some are less fortunate than oth-
ers, but when I came into this position, I
IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
was opened up to how big of a problem
this really is.”
According to data collected by Rider’s
Office of Service and Civic Engagement,
NOW, I’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO
those who use the Pantry are more likely
to be employed than not. Seniors access
the Pantry more than any other class.
Among all racial and ethnic groups,
REALIZE MY DREAM.
Black and white students are tied at
the top of the list, each being equally as
likely to use the Pantry as the other.
Felicia acknowledges the Pantry
serves diverse needs among diverse
people. He recalls assisting a student who
was also a mother. He recalls a patron
being grateful for a single box of pasta and
22 RIDE R . E D U / R I D E R M AGAZI N EGardner vacuumed up
opportunities at Rider and
was eventually accepted
into every doctoral
program he applied to.
As he was re-establishing himself, After landing on organizational do more projects. I kept overcommitting
he happened to run into Jan Fried- psychology, he then set his sights on a myself. I was desperate to get into these
man-Krupnick, a longtime Rider employ- specific career. He had become attracted to programs. I was hungry for it and that
ee who is now the director of business the idea of becoming an expert in his field was visible. I haven’t looked back since. I
and technology innovation. of study. Gardner arranged a meeting with just kept pushing.”
“She was the staff member I could the dean of Rider’s Norm Brodsky College His plan worked. This semester,
trust and talk to, almost like she was my of Business, Dr. Eugene Kutcher. Gardner Gardner learned he was accepted into
psychologist,” Gardner says. “She also recalls, “I asked Dr. Kutcher, ‘What would every doctoral program he applied to.
witnessed the complete decline in my it take for me to be a professor?’” In the fall, he will begin as a graduate
life. During that time she fought for me. Gardner seized on Kutcher’s advice student in the organizational behavior
She went above and beyond and was a like an entrepreneur with a million-dollar and management program at Temple
strong advocate.” idea. “I felt like this was my only chance,” University’s Fox School of Business on
Now, her advocacy would resume. he says. “My driving factor was, if some- a presidential fellowship.
After catching up, she informed Gard- thing goes wrong now, I’ll never be able Gardner has described his story as
ner that an administrative position had to realize my dream. I needed to make the one of redemption, which isn't quite
opened up in the Division of Student Af- most of it, make every day count.” accurate. Redemption implies the
fairs. She encouraged him to apply, which He vacuumed up the opportunities presence of sin. Circumstance may have
he did. “Kristian blew us away in the at Rider. He earned an Undergraduate almost diminished his light before it
interview,” Friedman-Krupnick says. “He Research Scholar Award. He joined could burn brightest, but it wasn't be-
has such depth of character and insight. the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalau- cause of any personal behavior nearly
We were thrilled to hire him.” reate Achievement Program. He flew as grave as sin. Caught in a temporary
It was a new beginning that had such a to conferences. He ingratiated himself web of misfortune, he simply couldn't
powerful impact on Gardner’s life, he can with faculty and staff alike, becoming rely on the privileges some students can
recall the date of his first day of work at indispensable in Student Affairs and take for granted.
Rider as easily as a best friend’s birthday: unstoppable in the classroom. His GPA Gardner is quick to cite Rider’s
Nov. 7, 2018. “Everything turned around not only rebounded; it exceeded his pre- “supportive culture” as crucial in help-
for me that day,” he says. vious performance as he earned a 4.0. ing him overcome this challenge, which
Gardner felt he now had the stabil- Gardner knew everything he was may be true, but he also bears signif-
ity to resume his studies and finish his doing was necessary so that he could have icant responsibility for his achieve-
degree. He decided to change majors. a shot at being accepted into a competitive ments. “For all that Kristian has gone
“I really wanted to find something that doctoral program. “To make myself the through,” Friedman-Krupnick says, “to
truly interested me, regardless of the job best applicant, I knew I was going to have land on his feet — he’s deserving of the
outlook and career prospects,” he says. to dive deep,” he says. “I kept asking to highest accolades.”
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