The Rider Department of Athletics and women's basketball program in conjunction with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Recreation Programs are collaborating on a unique event taking place on Monday, March 27 as part of "Womxn's History Month".  The spelling "womxn" in the event title is used to respect the dynamic and fluid nature of gender identity and expression and to be inclusive of all people who identify as womxn.
 
The event, a reception celebrating the outstanding leadership, academic and community service achievements of women in varsity athletics and club sports at Rider, will take place from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Cavalla Room of the Bart Luedeke Center.
In addition to speakers from the University community, Diane Fulham Blaszka '89, a former Rider softball player who was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011, will deliver a keynote address reflecting on how her participation in athletics at Rider helped shape her future.

Several awards will be given out to honor not only female varsity athletes for their academic, leadership and community service, but also to acknowledge the importance of women participating in club sports at the University as well.
 
Awards will be given in the following categories to current varsity and club student-athletes:
Athletics Department Team Academic Award
Athletics Department Individual Academic Award
Athletics Department Team Community Service Award
Athletics Department Individual Leadership Award
CDI Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Award
Club Sports "Best All-Around" Team Award
Club Sports "Best All-Around" Individual Award
 
"This is a terrific event for us to recognize the amazing contributions our women NCAA Division I and club sport student-athletes make in representing the University," said Karin Torchia, senior associate director of athletics and senior women's administrator.  "There are so many powerful and strong young women on the Rider University campus and by showcasing their successes in the classroom, in their respective sports and in the community, we are able to acknowledge and appreciate the demands and expectations that are placed on them every day."

The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.  To register for the event, please visit https://alumni.rider.edu/womxn-in-athletics-2023.