Ernie Rydell, former director of college relations and sports information director at the College of New Jersey has won the school's Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award. The award was first given in 1998, recognizing and alumnus/a who has provided exceptional service to the college, his or her class, the Alumni Association or the college's students.
Ernest Ernie Rydells service to the college extends back to the mid-1950s, while he was an undergraduate majoring in English. He began by serving on the staff of The Signal. Ernie graduated in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in English.
After a short leave to teach high school English and explore his interest in journalism, Ernie returned to join the colleges administration in 1961. He went on to serve the institution in a number of different capacities for 26 years, first as an assistant director in the Bliss Residence Hall and coordinator of the Colleges emerging Public Information Office. Over the years he held positions as assistant director of admissions, director of annual giving, and assistant to the president.
Most notably, Ernie served as director of College Development and College Relations for more than a decade where he pioneered the development and direction of his alma maters public relations, alumni affairs, and fundraising efforts. Highlights of his initiatives include starting an annual fund program, instituting academic scholarships for students called Alumni Scholars, creating an annual Family Day, beginning a quarterly alumni publication known as the Accent, conducting legislative research projects, and taking the College story to alumni events around New Jersey and out of state.
Ernie left the College in 1987 and went on to serve in college advancement leadership positions at Rowan University and East Stroudsburg University. He retired from East Stroudsburg University in 2000. Most recently, he returned to join the executive board of the Colleges Alumni Association. He lives in East Stroudsburg, PA.