When the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey needed a hand, Rider University was there, at the ready. Now, five years after the development of a vital internship program that benefits both students and the museum alike, Rider was honored as the recipient of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey Robert A. Dennin Minuteman Award on Nov. 27 on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus.
Dr. Joseph Gowaskie, Rider professor of history, was also recognized by the museum for his work to implement the program, which has seen 10 history majors from Rider participate in the 120-hour, three-credit program since the spring 2007 semester at the museum’s locations in Lawrenceville, Sea Girt and at the Trenton War Memorial Annex.
”A large part of the internship is to get students to know about history beyond the classroom,” said Mr. Gowaskie, also a retired lieutenant colonel who served a total of 23 years of active and reserves duty in the United States Army. “I hope it continues to grow and develop for many years.”
Col. Leonard Luzky (Ret.), president of the museum’s board of trustees, presented the Minuteman Award, conferred annually upon the organization or individual that renders significant contributions in support of the museum’s mission: to preserve the New Jersey National Guard’s history, along with that of the United States; to tell the stories of the nation’s servicemen and women who have defended our freedoms; and to honor the sacrifices of all the American military.
”We are truly grateful and appreciate Professor Gowaskie’s strong leadership, as well as the interns’ hard work and dedication, to helping successfully achieve these goals,” Col. Luzky said.
