10 Famous Rider University Alumni You Should Know

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Located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Rider University is a private university that has been providing quality education to students for over 150 years. With a strong focus on academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, Rider University has produced many successful and famous alumni who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Here are 10 famous Rider University alumni you should know:

1. Norman Lloyd (1924-2017) - Renowned Actor and Director

Norman Lloyd was a famous American actor, director, and producer who graduated from Rider University in 1942. He had a long and distinguished career in film, television, and theater, appearing in over 100 films and TV shows, including the classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller "Limelight" (1952) and the popular TV series "St. Elsewhere" (1982-1988).

2. Andrew Bilotti (1979-) - Emmy Award-Winning Producer

Andrew Bilotti is an American television producer who earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Rider University in 2001. He is best known for producing several award-winning TV shows, including "The Real World" (2004-2007) and "The Challenge" (2008-2011), for which he won two Emmy Awards.

3. Donny Osmond (1957-) - Singer, Actor, and TV Host

Donny Osmond is an American singer, actor, and television host who attended Rider University in the 1970s. He rose to fame as a teen idol in the 1970s with hits like "Go Away Little Girl" (1971) and "Puppy Love" (1972), and later became a successful TV host and actor, starring in shows like "The Donny & Marie Show" (1976-1979) and "Dancing with the Stars" (2006).

4. Michael Graves (1934-2015) - Acclaimed Architect and Designer

Michael Graves was a renowned American architect and designer who earned a Master's degree in Architecture from Rider University in 1961. He was known for his innovative and colorful designs, which include the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort (1989) and the Portland Building (1982).

5. Elliot Abrams (1948-) - Diplomat and Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State

Elliot Abrams is an American diplomat and politician who graduated from Rider University in 1970. He served as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs (1981-1985) and later became the Senior Director for Democracy and Human Rights on the National Security Council (2001-2005).

6. Lisa Desjardins (1972-) - Journalist and TV Correspondent

Lisa Desjardins is an American journalist and TV correspondent who earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Rider University in 1995. She currently works as a correspondent for PBS NewsHour and has covered major news events, including the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

7. Scott Garrett (1959-) - U.S. Representative and Former New Jersey State Senator

Scott Garrett is an American politician who graduated from Rider University in 1981. He served as a U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 5th congressional district (2003-2017) and was a member of the New Jersey State Senate (1991-2003).

8. Bob Bunton (1967-) - NFL Coach and Former Player

Bob Bunton is an American football coach and former player who earned a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Rider University in 1990. He played as a linebacker in the NFL for several teams, including the New York Giants (1991-1994) and later became a coach for the Giants and the San Francisco 49ers.

9. Nicole Collier (1973-) - Texas State Representative

Nicole Collier is an American politician who graduated from Rider University in 1995. She has been serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for District 95 since 2013.

10. Alan Needleman (1960-) - Businessman and Entrepreneur

Alan Needleman is an American businessman and entrepreneur who earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Rider University in 1982. He is the founder and CEO of C3 Jian, a leading manufacturer of gourmet food products.

These notable Rider University alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, including entertainment, politics, architecture, journalism, and business. Their achievements serve as a testament to the university's commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for success.