Rider University is rolling out a scholarship program that will offer full-tuition support for students majoring in accounting and business.
On Monday, the university announced receiving a $4.5 million estate pledge from alumnus Steven R. Beckett, a retired vice president and controller of Tosco Refining Company, and his wife, Sharon A. McDonald-Beckett. The money will be used to create a scholarship program that will financially support four undergraduate business students and one full-time accounting student every year.
Starting this academic year, the selected students will be able to attend college and complete their degrees tuition and debt-free.
“If I can help a kid get an accounting degree, which is a good degree to have, then I know it will mean something,” said Beckett, who graduated from Rider with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a major in accounting after receiving a scholarship during his sophomore year.
To honor their support, the university has named its first environmentally sustainable residence hall the Steven R. Beckett and Sharon A. McDonald-Beckett Village.
Earlier, the Becketts established an endowed scholarship in 1997 that had supported nearly 35 students.