By Danielle Phillips

For seven years one professor has been giving an enlightening experience to students outside the classroom, exactly 731 miles away from any Rider classroom.

Dr. Jack Sullivan, of American Studies, leads a group of 15 students from both the Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses on an eight-day trip to the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina.

By Danielle Flood

Five experts in fields ranging from law enforcement to banking are set to appear for the long-awaited lecture, “Identity Theft: Why You Need to Know About It.”

Led by Drew Procaccino, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems, the event will take place Wednesday 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center. Light refreshments will be served.

Senior prom night ­— it’s a time some recall rather fondly, while for others it’s an event from an old chapter in their lives not to be relived. Still, out of all the Kodak moments, the one most will remember, with venom perhaps, is the most popular girl and guy getting crowned as queen and king.

Full-time undergraduate students are eligible to vote in the SGA elections being held on Thursday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the SRC lobby. Commuters, Greeks and resident students should report to the SRC to cast their ballots. Students must have their Bronc IDs for check in. Turn to page 3 for the complete list of candidates running for positions in SGA, Association of Commuting Students, Finance Board and the Residence Hall Association.

Name: Brian Pawelko
Year: Junior
Hometown: Monroe Township, N.J.
Major: Journalism (Public Relations)
Clubs/Organizations: SGA, Lambda Pi Eta, Leadership Development Program.
Why are you running for this position? Since my freshman year I have seen some aspects that I wanted to see changed at Rider. I saw the important role SGA played in creating change on the Lawrenceville campus and got involved as the Public Relations chair. This year I have enjoyed working on a number of different issues to represent the student body as SGA Vice President. I want to bring the experience I have gained over the past two years, along with my passion to represent students as SGA President. I want to lead the organization as it attempts to tackle issues of paramount concern to the student body.
What issue(s) is/are most important to you in this election? Why? There are three issues that I feel are most important during this election and the 2008-2009 year: the Alcohol Policy, housing and academics. Both the SGA and the administration should sit down and talk with the townships regarding ways to better handle alcohol on campus. It’s also crucial to have SGA leadership that ensures that current students have priority over incoming freshmen when it comes to housing. Finally, several academic features need to be improved, including academic advising and class availability.
What will you do to uphold the mission of the University to be student-centered? The answer is school pride. We don’t need to invent traditions. Weekend programming such as Bronc Buffets and Bronc Bingo need to continue as usual. SGA will sponsor events that rally around our athletic teams. Students need to continue wearing school colors and SGA can brainstorm ideas, which could include giving away Rider apparel.
What qualities do you think an SGA leader should have? An SGA leader needs to keep the organization on track and focused on the big picture. Sometimes it may be easy to get distracted or veer off track, but a leader needs to keep the group focused on issues that are important. In addition, an SGA leader should be able to write and speak well.

Name: Jon Chebra
Year: Junior
Hometown: Newtown, Pa.
Major: Political Science
Clubs/Organizations: SGA Student Senate, Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee; ACS; Institute for New Jersey Politics; Model United Nations.
Why are you running for this position? I am running for SGA Vice President because the student body deserves a dedicated leader who will voice the concerns of all students and be an advocate for change.
What issue(s) is/are most important to you in this election? The two most pressing issues facing students right now are housing and parking.
How do you plan on communicating with all students about the work SGA is doing? Communication with students is a problem in SGA right now. SGA needs to work hard to make sure students know what is going on and what SGA is doing to address their needs. I will urge SGA to put together an e-mail newsletter; launch, update and advertise a new Web site; host town-hall meetings when important issues come up; and change the structure of the Senate to create a better flow of information.
How effectively do you think SGA handled the on-campus housing issue for 2008-2009? SGA worked proactively with the administration through the housing committee to take on this issue. Students on that committee worked hard to find a solution within the framework the University has established. However, SGA needs to continue to work diligently toward finding a permanent solution that ensures we can continue to guarantee housing for all students.

Name: Megan McBride
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Nutley, N.J.
Major: Elementary Education and ISM-Life Science, Biology
Clubs/Organizations: Leadership Development Program; SGA, Clubs and Organizations Chair; RHA, Executive Board Secretary; Concert Band, clarinet; Chess Club.
What issue(s) is/are most important to you in this election? The issues now that I feel the most passionate about are parking, housing and recycling.
If you win, how do you plan to address the issue(s) you feel are important? I would address the parking issue by checking the feasibility, cost and permits required for building a second level above the present parking area.
As far as the housing issue, I would check to see if there are any garden apartments or condos available that Rider students could avail themselves of prior to having changed the on-campus housing policy. I would research shuttle buses for any students having to commute from an off-campus housing site.
I feel very strongly that the Rider campuses should recycle glass, plastic and newspapers. I would have more recycle cans easily available to use and try to educate students as to the potential repercussions to our environment because of not recycling. I would try to eliminate the use of paper by trying to make fliers and newspapers electronically available.

Name: Mitchell Buonpastore
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Doylestown, Pa.
Major: Accounting
Clubs/Organizations: Emerging Leaders; Tau Kappa Epsilon (pledging); Leadership Development Program; SGA; Alpha Lambda Delta.
Why are you running for this position? I feel very passionate about serving my fellow students at Rider University. I am a dedicated and motivated scholar looking to make a difference on campus for the benefit of all students. I feel that I possess the confidence that is needed to carry out all financial aspects involved in this position with integrity and honesty.
What issue(s) is/are most important to you in this election? Why? The Housing policy, raising University spirit and club recognition are three topics that I feel very strongly about. I believe these are three essential issues that need continual analysis and the implementation of resolutions that will satisfy Rider University and the student body.
What qualities do you think an SGA leader should have? An SGA leader should be devoted to the service of others, dedicated to his/her duties, be very caring of the students and the University, and be willing to do whatever it takes to do his/her job to the best of his/her ability.

By Laura Mortkowitz

The audience was given something to look forward to at the beginning of Chuck Klosterman’s lecture.

“There is a chance one of you will be verbally attacked during the question and answer period,” he said.

No one was.

By Chris Taylor

Alcoholism is a disease, and according to the late comedian Mitch Hedberg, it is the only disease you can get yelled at for having. Obviously, Mr. Hedberg has never grasped his palm around a Nintendo controller to gear up and play Super Smash Bros., an equally addicting venture.