More than 800 undergraduates at Rider University received their diplomas on Friday
LAWRENCE -- The overcast skies did not dampen the enthusiasm of Rider University's newest graduates, who are now ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
"Today we are officially closing the book on our undergraduate experience at Rider University and we are opening the first page of our new adult life," class speaker Natalie Taptykoff said. "We have made our memories at Rider. Now it's time to take those memories and create new ones with what we have learned."
On Friday, the university's Campus Green was a sea of caps and gowns as more than 800 undergraduates received their diplomas.
Over the top - Imaginative mortarboard decorations of the Rider Class of 2016
The ceremony marked the school's 151st undergraduate commencement and the first under seventh President Gregory Dell'Omo.
"As you leave us and embark on the next days of your life, do so with great pride and passion," he told them. "Take your place in the world with confidence and pride and be sure to return to your alma mater as often as you can."
His comments were echoed by artist and printmaker Judith Brodsky, who received an honorary doctor of Fine Arts degree.
"Be passionate about something and don't just accept things as they are," said Brodsky, who is the director of the Brodsky Center for Innovative Editions at Rutgers.
The ceremony was preceded by Rider's Graduate and College of Continuing Studies ceremony on Thursday and will be followed by the Westminster Choir College's ceremony on Saturday.
One lucky graduate also drove away with new wheels. The campus radio station held a contest, with the winner receiving a two-year lease on a 2016 Scion iM courtesy of Team Toyota of Princeton.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.