Helping to Create a Professional Self

This honor comes to a select few, and is considered by most to be the pinnacle of lifetime achievement.

"I remember thinking, 'I have had one of these blessed lives,'" Hugh says. "How did I get here?"

The question is rhetorical; Hugh readily acknowledges his professional success is a direct result of years of hard work and a strong stick-to-it ethic instilled by family.

Large Shoes to Fill
Hugh's father attended Rider for his MBA, and was the first to encourage Hugh to consider Rider University for his undergraduate studies.

"He brought me on campus and immediately, it felt right," Hugh says. "I could see that the University was small enough that I would not be lost, but would be part of what became like another family to me."

As a freshman, Hugh didn't wait long to start making lifelong connections. He joined Theta Chi Fraternity in his fall semester, which opened other doors for campus involvement.

A fraternity brother got Hugh involved with Developing Administrative Abilities and Resources through the Synergistic Training of Organizational Competencies, an on-campus group that helps students develop professional management skills and make connections with people in industry.

"We looked at case studies, but we also had to do some presentations. Having to stand in front of the podium helped me gain confidence in myself," Hugh says.

Another fraternity brother got Hugh involved with the Student Entertainment Council, of which Hugh was elected president for both his junior and senior year.

Beyond Campus Involvement
Hugh remembers the assistance he received from Career Services at Rider University prior to graduation, when the job market seemed somewhat daunting.

Hugh knew he wanted to follow in his father's path after graduation (accounting), and he realized he needed help looking for employment. With the guidance of career services, he was able to secure his first accounting job at the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

From there, Hugh went to work at Value Property Trust, a real estate investment trust. At 34, Hugh would become the youngest chief financial officer of an NYSE listed company while at Value Property Trust.

Several years later, Hugh became CFO for inTEST Corporation, a public tech company that makes equipment used to test semi-conductors for Apple and other tech giants. Today, Hugh serves as CFO, treasurer and secretary.

Making Time for Those Who Matter
Despite a busy travel schedule, Hugh makes time for close family and friends, and as if that were not enough, he also dedicates his time as treasurer for Girl Scouts' Southern Pines Council.

Hugh's commitment to the Girl Scouts was inspired by his mother, Kathleen. Twenty years ago, when he was just a young man, she encouraged him to start giving back.

"She said, 'you need to find a charity where you can make a difference,'" Hugh says.

Kathleen introduced him to some of the leaders of Girl Scouts, and Hugh was immediately hooked. Over the last 10 years, Hugh has helped the Girl Scouts raise over $6 million.

When asked what inspired him to remember Rider University in his estate plans, Regan pauses.

"It was my mother's death two years ago that prompted me to consider my estate plan. I had spent much of my life teaching others how to be effective leaders, and her loss made me realize that I couldn't expect others to make donations unless I was willing to lead by example," he says.

Giving Back as a Given
"I have been blessed with an unbelievable life, and, at the same time, Rider helped create the 'professional me,' which enabled me to have this great career," Regan says. "It's the least I can do to thank the University. This idea of giving back, it's a natural concept. It's a given."

There are many ways to give back to Rider University. Contact @[contact], CFP® at 609-896-5233 or rbaumuller@rider.edu for planned giving information.