May 16, 2023

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — On May 12, Nicole Chen, a Rider University Class of 2023 biology major from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, won a brand-new 2023 Toyota Corolla SE during the University’s annual Cruisin’ From Commencement contest.

“I am super honored and grateful,” says Chen, who entered the contest in the hopes of winning the car for her mom. “We currently share a car, which unfortunately forces her to stay home most of the day since I either have to go to work or class. Now I am able to give her a gift I could have never imagined was possible with my current financial status.”

Since 2016, the contest, organized by the University’s student-run radio station, 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM, has given students the opportunity to end their collegiate career with a new car. To enter, students must submit a video about their Rider experience.  

Chen drove away from her senior year with a two-year lease on a brand-new 2023 Toyota Corolla SE and ToyotaCare, a vehicle maintenance and roadside assistance plan, for two years courtesy of Team Toyota of Princeton.

In her winning video, Chen says “If I could sum up my entire experience at Rider in one word, it would be ‘kind.’ It was through my campus involvement that I was able to learn about how kindness can take various forms.”

A tour guide since her freshman year and an executive board member of the Asian American Student Association, she credits the Rider community with making her feel at home and deepening her appreciation of her cultural background. “I will continue to carry these lessons in my heart in the hopes of making those around me feel as loved as I was at Rider,” she concludes.

The winner was determined by an expert panel of judges who narrowed down the entries to 10 finalists. At the grand finale event, each of the finalists was given a key and an opportunity to start the car. Watchful silence turned into cheers as Chen’s key started the engine.

The Bronc WRRC-FM is the only college radio station in America to give away a car. This year had a record number of entries with 25 from graduating undergraduate and graduate students. All 10 finalists won a catered graduation party by Killarney’s Publick House in Hamilton, New Jersey.

“Cruisin’ From Commencement is a one-of-a-kind college radio promotion that provides our students with a unique, engaged learning experience,” says John Mozes, general manager of 107.7 The Bronc. 

Team Toyota of Princeton, who has sponsored the contest since its inception, is proud to continue its partnership and support Cruisin’ From Commencement with 107.7 The Bronc, says Doug Zenzel, director of marketing for Team Toyota of Princeton.

“Each year we continue to be amazed at the dedication, resiliency and determination of the students,” says Zenzel. “Their hard work is evident through the videos they submit, and we hope that by meeting their transportation needs directly after college, they can get a head start on achieving their dreams and continuing to pursue excellence.”

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On May 12, Nicole Chen, a Rider University Class of 2023 biology major from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, won a brand-new 2023 Toyota Corolla SE during the University’s annual Cruisin’ From Commencement contest. Photos by Peter G. Borg/Rider University

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