Editorial:
A year remembered for tragedy, triumph

Before the year even officially began, the Rider community was met with the unfathomable loss of two students. Judy, 19, and James Muth, 18, died in a car accident en route to the Lawrenceville campus. Despite the tears shed and an overwhelming sense of loss, students persevered and prepared for the beginning of classes. Little did we all know, these deaths would only be the first in a series of heartbreaking losses. In the span of a month, the deaths of undergraduates John Kostic, 20; David Hunt, 22; and professor of actuarial science Dr. Donald Wise, 62, left students, faculty and administrators reeling and searching for the hope to move forward.

In a time of tragedy and despair, the community came together as students and administrators lent each other a shoulder to cry on and a hug for moral support. Our spirits were bruised as the deaths of our friends came much before their time to shine. The College of New Jersey has had to face the disappearance of one of its own, only to learn this past week that the body of John Fiocco Jr., 19, has been found. The cause of death remains unknown. For the past month our friends nearby have had to forge ahead with the nauseating feeling of not knowing. Although their tragedy is almost too troubling to contemplate, our hearts must continue to go out to our neighbors.

The words of Epictetus, a Greek philosopher, advise, “It is our attitudes toward events, not events themselves, that we can control.” The completion of the Student Recreation Center, pods and apartments and overall renewal on the Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses, provided us with notable reasons to celebrate. These new amenities and facelifts brought a new energy and vibe for the future. The ongoing revitalization of the campus is continuing with such important strides as the Cranberry Café and Fine Arts communication hallway, which are slated for renovation this summer.

The student uproar over the removal of the tree from the Rider logo reminded us of the humility students demand of the administration and our desire to be engaged in matters impacting the University. With a collective voice that seemed to catch the honchos off guard, students objected to the unilateral action by the administration to erase the tree from signs, catalogs and Public Safety cars. In a resurrection of sorts, the elm tree will return, engraved on the new Rider Rock. Regardless of the politics of the matter, students displayed initiative rooted in defending their right to representation on issues large and small affecting their home away from home.

Amid these developments of success and heartbreak, the state of this nation continued on a dire path as critical policy issues came to a turning point. Pending cuts to higher education, soaring gas prices, a struggle to support a legitimate government in Iraq and the increasing threat of a nuclear-capable Iran were issues that plagued political leaders and distracted students trying to maintain a rigorous academic regimen.

As the class of 2006 sets off on the next leg of its journey, and a new class prepares to embark on its collegiate career, one theme stands the test of time, the memories of this four-year adventure will remain etched in our hearts.