Broncs kick off the year with Welcome Week
By Madison Lewis and Grace Bertrand
Welcome Week is a hallmark of back-to-school activities at Rider. The week-long festivities prepare students for the upcoming semester and create a quintessential opportunity to create lasting connections.
‘Music Bingo Brunch’ Sept.1
Students periodically funneled into the main seating area of Daly Dining Hall with breakfast in hand as they sat down at tables adorned with bingo boards and crayons.
In the back of the room, there was a DJ booth playing current hits and throwback favorites.
Students were encouraged to dance to songs radiating from the speakers as they filled out bingo boards labeled with song titles.
The MC of the night, James, challenged participants to fill out the board in different patterns. James then reviewed each lucky student’s bingo before handing over their prizes.
Coupons from local landmarks like Sky Zone, Fedelo’s and Route 1 Diner were awarded throughout the night, along with party hats and leis for the students who partied the hardest.
Students were singing in mics and dancing, some even forgetting about the game. “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex and “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” by Ice Spice and PinkPantheress got contestants out of their seats as bingo continued into the afternoon.
Senior psychology major Sarah Dickstein has been to every “Music Bingo Brunch” since her freshman year.
“‘Music Bingo Brunch’ definitely brings a lot of people together,” said Dickstein. “[It’s] fun to be at, experience and also watch.”
‘LGBTQIA+ Dessert Welcome Reception’ Sept. 1
The Spectrum Pride Alliance is a staple of Rider’s campus. The organization has a mission to cultivate an inclusive environment at the university.
While sporting a plate of baked goods and a bowl of ice cream, incoming LGBTQIA+ students and allies had the opportunity to communicate with other members of Rider’s community through team building activities.
Along with LGBTQIA+ student leaders, event goers had the opportunity to speak with gender and sexuality studies Professor Melissa A. Hofmann, who doubles as a LGBTQIA+ librarian for Rider.
“I would love to foster more connections with [students],” she said. “I really want to spread passion, information and learning throughout the community.”
‘Cranberry Craze’ Sept. 1
Test your strength with the “HIGH STRIKER” mallet game or do the beanbag toss to earn tickets.
The class of 2028 celebrated an evening of music and festivities, featuring games that awarded raffle tickets to use.
Students could get organized baskets that different clubs and organizations put up for auction, including ones from the counseling center, Rider Dining and 107.7 The Bronc.
Attendee and freshman film and television major Nalani Arboleda said, “I like that there [is] a whole bunch of different games. … It makes [Rider] feel more homey … kind of like a little family gathering.”
‘RecFest’ Sept. 7
Tackle recreational sports and activity-based clubs Rider has to offer with “RecFest” — a fair to showcase all the sports clubs for new and returning Broncs.
The event took place on the campus mall Monday night as students gathered across the lawn to participate in different games such as volleyball, frisbee and cornhole.
Clubs like Rider Equestrian, Rider Men’s Volleyball Club and Rider Club Softball were just a few of the many tables lined up on the lawn waiting to greet potential newcomers.
Sophomore graphic design major Angelina Fierro, who’s attended “RecFest” two years in a row, explained with excitement that this year had one of the biggest turnouts the event has ever seen.
“My favorite part of the event is seeing everyone again, meeting new people and finding out about a new club each year, like archery,” Fierro said.
