By: Lathan Gil
On Saturday, May 17 graduating seniors took the stage at the CURE Insurance Arena to receive their degrees, but on Friday, May 16, 107.7 The Bronc held its 10th annual Cruisin’ From Commencement contest! This year’s top three prizes were: $1,000, a Royal Caribbean cruise, and a 2025 Toyota! The winners of Cruisin’ 25 were Janaya Ross, CM Colleton, and Margherita Pizzi!
Janaya Jumping For Joy!
Janaya Ross was transformed by her experience at Rider University. “When I first stepped onto campus, I was filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, eager to learn, but unsure of what the future would hold. This community pushed me to grow, where I learned not only from textbooks but from the people around me, and the friends I have made here that will last a lifetime.”
And guess what? Janaya WON! As this year’s third place winner, the $1,000 donated by Fulton Bank is going to good use and exactly how she wants to use it; towards her legal education. Janaya wants to invest the prize she won into her future, “I chose to participate in the contest, so I could win the $1,000, which I could use to contribute to the CLEO Law Program.”
Her first task after Rider is to perform a selfless act, and give back to kids who want to achieve big dreams. “It provides invaluable opportunities for students pursuing a career in law, particularly for those from underrepresented communities. CLEO not only helps with financial support, but also mentorship and guidance.”
CM Colleton Will Be Setting Sail!
CM Colleton’s four years at Rider were all about community. “The people and programs shaped my education and future.” CM has a strong passion for filmmaking and the programs that Rider has to offer, from studying abroad in London to interning in LA, Rider University has helped build their career path.
One of the big motivators for Colleton’s participation in Cruisin’ From Commencement was watching the contest the past four years and thinking about how much fun it would be to enter! Their background in film certainly helped CM produce a great video, but the sentimental aspect of creating this video made it all the more special. “I made this not only for the contest, but for myself to have as a memory of my college experience.”
CM is going to be cruisin’ to The Bahamas all thanks to Josh Harry Travel! For someone who has never been on a cruise, “This will be a great experience as I love to explore out of my comfort zone.” As a gift to their mother, they both will be going, hopefully on her birthday.”
Now, at the end of their road, “Rider gave me motivation, Rider taught me to work my goals, and I will get to where I need to as long as I stay motivated.”
Margherita’s Movin’ On In A New Car!
Margherita’s four years at Rider were definitely something people can relate to, “It has been a mix of challenges, growth and beautiful memories.” An international student with great ambitions, Pizzi has now graduated from Rider University; an achievement that some people only dream about!
Margherita decided to participate in 107.7 The Bronc’s Cruisin’ 25, “because I wanted to create something that would stay with me forever. A video that tells my story, that I can look back at years from now and remember!”
Now she’s behind the wheel of this year’s top prize, a 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross L all-wheel drive SUV from our long-term partners: Team Toyota of Princeton. Margherita finds her new wheels very useful, especially since she just received her first job offer, as a physical therapy aide. Margherita will be driving her Corolla Cross L to and from work for the next two years.
Rider provided Margherita the tools that will last her a lifetime. “Friends, mentors, and the strength to believe I can do something bigger.”
What Advice Do These Three Winner Have For The Class of 2026?
Well, the Top 3 winners of The Bronc’s 10th annual Cruisin’ From Commencement contest definitely have a few inspiring words to offer the Class of 2026. For Janaya Ross it’s, “Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned, and don’t rush.” CM Colleton suggests a sense of relatability “You have the same worries as I did, and still do. Just continue on the path and you will control your future.” While Margherita may have the most practical advice, “Just take it all in. Say yes to things. Make connections.”
Congratulations to the winners, the Cruisin’ 25 Top 10 and all of the Rider students who chose to participate in this year’s contest and a job well done! Good luck to Rider University’s entire Class of 2025!
And good luck to the this summer’s rising seniors. Make sure you save every picture, post and video, so you can participate in 107.7 The Bronc’s Cruisin’ From Commencement next academic year to possibly win a new car from Team Toyota Princeton.