Senior Spotlight: Jared Hiller to deliver class of 2025 commencement speech

By Brianna Velazquez

In the crowd of friends and family at his sister’s Rider graduation in 2022, Jared Hiller felt a wave of emotions. Inspired by the passionate words of the commencement speaker, he imagined himself one day standing at the podium and delivering the closing remarks for the final chapter of his college journey.

On April 4, Hiller, a senior double major in secondary education and math, received the call that turned his dream into a reality — he had been chosen to be the Class of 2025 commencement speaker. 

“It’s definitely really exciting. It’s an honor,” Hiller said. “Since I don’t know all of the students personally, it’s cool that I get to represent everyone … and tell all the guests in the arena about our experience.” 

Hiller’s path to education began early, shaped by his father’s teaching career, and solidified when he began tutoring peers in high school as a member of the National Honor Society. 

“It’s really fun to help kids that are struggling and use my strength of explaining things and helping them to make sure kids are achieving at a high level,” Hiller said.

That passion followed Hiller to Rider, where he not only studied education but also focused on honing skills to help special education groups and provide the resources necessary to equip his students with better learning experiences. 

Currently student teaching at Henry C. Beck Middle School, Hiller has learned the ways social media is impacting young learners.

Hiller immersed himself in campus life, despite being a commuter student from Pennsauken, New Jersey. He has been involved with Math Club, the Association of Commuting Students, Student Education Association, The Council for Exceptional Children and was the vice president of Rider Dance Ensemble. Currently, he serves as the president of the International Honor Society for Education Kappa Delta Pi and is the lead tour guide for the Office of Admissions. 

As the president of KPD, Hiller noticed other members’ interest in interacting with education professors outside the classroom. Hiller acted upon interest by organizing an event that invited education professors to present their research, offer insightful information for aspiring teachers and answer KDP members’ questions.

Susan Makowski, executive director of admissions, has seen Hiller’s positive impact firsthand through his role as lead tour guide. 

“He is Mr. Rider,” Makowski said, laughing as she recalled mistakenly calling him Jacob for 15 minutes during his first year on the job. 

“He was just the sweetest boy to say, ‘It’s OK Susan, it’s not a big deal.’ Like it was a big deal [to me],” Makowski said. “That’s just the kind of person he is. He wants you to feel comfortable and he wants you to be OK. He’s willing to be Jacob for 15 minutes if that’s what it takes. There’s something very kind about him that’s needed in the world.” 

Off campus, Hiller’s love for teaching continues at his local dance studio, Ronnie McLaughlin Dance Studio, where he has taught ballet, jazz, and tap to students ranging from 7 to13 years old for the past six years. 

Hiller shared he began dance lessons in fourth grade, inspired by his older sister. He shed light on the pressure and judgment competitive dancers  encounter, sharing he hopes to instill “positivity and happiness” into his young dancers. 

“That’s one of the best things about my life. Outside of college, one highlight of my journey just on this planet … it would literally be teaching dance and seeing those kids smile when I teach them something or laughing with them in the dance studio. It’s one of my favorite things ever,” Hiller said. 

Reflecting on his college career, Hiller shared a big lesson he learned in college and encourages students to practice: do not take everything too seriously. 

Hiller explained that students learn by asking questions, navigating who they are and looking ahead. 

As May 17 approaches, Hiller continues to recite and write his speech leading up to graduation. 

“Everybody’s experience is unique, and [I’ll] be trying to share that and be as open as possible with the graduating class,” Hiller said.