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Students and alumni of С����Ƶ's College of Continuing Studies shared passionate and empowering words at the eighth annual Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship Reception on Feb. 8.

“As women, I believe we must define: what does it mean to have it all?” said Antonia James, a business administration major, during the reception in the University's art gallery. “I believe that having it all means finding balance between being the best mother I can be, pursuing the completion of my degree to advance my career and growing in my spiritual journey.”

James is one of 25 mature women students currently being recognized for their commitment to academic success through Newcombe scholarships to complete their degrees.

The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation who have completed at least half of a bachelor's degree. Applicants may be enrolled part- or full-time, and scholarships are awarded on the basis of clarity of career goals, financial need and academic record. The relationship between Rider and the Newcombe Foundation has thrived for more than 30 years.

Beyond financial assistance, the Foundation provides for students in ways less tangible.

Barbie Gomez, a human resource management major, shared her personal story of struggle and perseverance, living in a housing project with few role models to motivate her.

“I have many examples of what I don’t want to be,” she said. “Fortunately, guidance and support from the College of Continuing Studies and my scholarship from the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation have both made a critical difference during my journey here at С����Ƶ.”

Blair Turner '97 recalled her undergraduate journey at Rider, where she earned her degree in organizational behavior in 1997. “Going back to college and obtaining my degree gave me the confidence that I could do anything that I set my mind to and be successful,” she said. Upon graduation, Turner’s salary doubled, her job responsibilities tripled and years later opened her own practice as a certified personal and executive coach.

Dr. Katie Mortimer '92, who graduated Summa Cum Laude, was unable to attend the reception; however, by , she expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the Foundation’s support. While attending Rider, Mortimer received a generous Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship that provided her with the financial resources and, as importantly, the affirmation to complete her studies. In fact, Mortimer went on to earn her master’s degree and a doctorate in education and she enjoyed a satisfying and successful career in education.

Mortimer felt it important to encourage other women at Rider to complete their education. Receiving the scholarship had a profound impact on her life, and she chose to pay it forward by making a donation of $50,000 to the Foundation.

Following Dr. Mortimer’s video presentation, The Foundation’s new executive director, Dr. Gianna Durso-Finley, and its new associate executive director, Lindsey Bohra, graciously announced that the Newcombe Foundation will provide a dollar-for-dollar match to Dr. Mortimer’s contribution to establish the new $100,000 Dr. Katherine E. Mortimer-Charlotte W. Newcombe Endowed Scholarship.

“The Newcombe Foundation has helped literally thousands of women,” says Denise Pinney, Rider’s director of corporate and foundation relations. “It’s an amazing organization that shares our interest in seeing students succeed.”