Editorial:
Incident delivers stern reminder

Sometimes life gives us a cruel reality check. Thursday morning two associate members of Phi Kappa Tau (PKT) fraternity reminded us of the sometimes life-threatening danger alcohol can pose to health and safety. Although one student was treated and soon after released, another PKT associate suffering from alcohol poisoning treated in the intensive care unit at Capital Health System, at Fuld campus remains serious. As an investigation begins to determine whether this was hazing-related, the incident is creating a ripple effect in newspapers and on local television news. While the condition of Gary DeVercelly weighs on the minds of his closest friends, family and the entire Rider community, students must recognize the important lessons to be learned.

How many times have we heard our parents or professors lecture us about drinking alcohol? Too many times to even begin counting. Yet, that advice seems to slip to the back of our minds with the announcement of a party or night on the town. Mindful of the unfortunate circumstance of one of our own, perhaps more students will now heed these precautionary warnings. If you are going to make the age-appropriate decision to drink, then do so responsibly. Don’t compromise your health by going overboard. Is one night of fun worth the lifetime of pain or tragedy it can cause?

What happened on Thursday, March 29, is a sad and profound moment for the University and for all of us. But in the midst of the current and future media scrutiny this event will undoubtedly bring, we should not lose sight of what Rider truly stands for. Building on a tradition of excellence from 1865, Rider has the same momentum 142 years later.

We have a Model UN team that was recognized as a distinguished delegation and for having an outstanding position paper. We have brothers from the Phi Beta Sigma Step Team who won first place in a national championship. We have students from the Princeton and Lawrenceville campuses who graciously gave up their spring breaks to help others. We have fraternities and sororities who helped raise funds for Big Brothers and Big Sisters capped off by the Rider Rumba benefit. We have athletes like junior Don Fisch, recently recognized as an All-American for wrestling at the NCAA tournament. We have the Princeton campus regularly lauded as a world-renowned musical institution. Inside and outside the classroom, we are a diverse student body consistently achieving and setting new milestones.

In the weeks and months ahead, there may be a black cloud hanging over the University in light of yesterday’s event, but together we will move forward. However, the after effects of this incident remain to be seen. The Greek community must revaluate its new member processes to ensure provisions are in place to see that history does not repeat itself. Students must also willingly accept the role they have as responsible adults. Rider has too much potential stocked in its students and in the future to let alcohol get in the way.