RCGC Economics Scholarship Encourages Student Growth

Students graduating from Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) with an associate degree in Business Administration and transferring to a four-year university have the opportunity for a more financially efficient education thanks to the new Henry Ryder Economics Scholarship.

Ryder, a lifelong resident of South Jersey who taught management and economics courses for 47 years at RCGC (formerly Gloucester County College), established the endowment to encourage the continued success of future economics students. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Lafayette College in 1967 and two years later with an MBA in Management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Ryder landed at the Deptford Township campus where he instructed young minds on the social science of economics, helping them to understand the factors that determine the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services.

“My greatest pleasure while teaching at the College was to see students excel in their study of economics,” said Ryder, who retired in 2017 and now holds the title professor emeritus. “Wherever I go in the county I am met with former and current students. I wanted to leave something behind to honor the future students pursuing economics. The greatest joys of my career have been seeing students succeed.”

“This is a generous gift donated by a dedicated and respected longtime faculty member,” stated RCGC President Frederick Keating. “The Rowan College Foundation appreciates Henry’s confidence in the value of higher education and his generous support of students as they pursue their career goals in the business sector.”

Graduating RCGC students excelling in the study of economics and pursuing a bachelor’s degree are eligible for the $500 scholarship as long as they maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher. Applicants are required to complete a 250-word essay describing why they should be considered for the scholarship.

For more information on student scholarships, visit rcgc.edu/scholarships.

Rowan College at Gloucester County’s 250-acre campus is located on Tanyard Road in Deptford, just off Exit 56 of Route 55.

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Photo:

Professor Emeritus Henry Ryder (sitting) celebrates the creation of the Henry Ryder Economics Scholarship with friend and Rowan College Foundation at Gloucester County member Dr. Geraldine Martin. Ryder and his wife, Judith (standing), donated the scholarship to assist future economic students pursuing a bachelor’s degree.