Elevating Hispanic & Latino Voices

Panel Discusses Hispanic Community's Challenges at Stockton

In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month last fall, Stockton University UNIDOS hosted “Escaleras (The Climb),” a panel that brought together alumni, current students and community members on Sept. 19, 2024, for an empowering conversation about the challenges and triumphs of the Hispanic community and people of color.

The panel addressed topics like imposter syndrome, breaking through barriers and the struggles unique to marginalized groups. For many attendees, like student Jade Rojas-Munguia, the event resonated deeply and highlighted the collective strength of the community.

"There were many things I loved about this panel, but what resonated with me the most was seeing people on stage who looked and sounded just like me. Their struggles mirrored my own, reminding me that none of us are truly alone in this journey we call life," the Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority member said.

The panel, moderated by Heather Medina, director of Admissions, served as a moment of personal and professional triumph for her. She marveled at the progress and success of the panelists, saying, “It was a full circle moment for me to reunite with the Stockton alumni. They have elevated themselves into being powerhouses in their profession. What a blessing to see the fruits of your labor unfold before your very eyes!"

The event also created a space for new members of the Stockton community, like Patricia Sagasti Suppes, the director of Global Engagement, to feel embraced.

Stockton UNIDOS was established in 2018 by Stockton staff to assist in bringing together faculty and staff interested in expanding the cultural and historical contributions of the Hispanic community. The organization aims to advocate for and address mentoring, recruitment and retention of Stockton employees. Its main purpose is to promote the ideals of inclusion for affiliated faculty and staff, thereby ensuring an increased sense of belonging at Stockton and making the University a workplace of choice.

Sofia Abreu, director of the Career Education & Development office, and Rosa Maldonado, assistant dean for the School of Arts & Humanities, were part of the large team that led the organization and implementation of the panel. Both expressed their gratitude for UNIDOS and the opportunity to create an event as powerful as this one.

Pan-American Flag Raised, Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month

“As a young Latina, I know firsthand the challenges that come with my role. There are times when my intelligence or abilities are questioned or undermined, but you know what drives me? My faith, my family, my colleagues, the role models at this institution who paved the way… and most importantly, you, the students. You all give me purpose.”

Ana Edmondson’s message on the importance of finding support and motivation in your community was emphasized throughout last September’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising in front of the Galloway campus’ Arts & Sciences Circle.

For six years, the Pan-American flag — which serves as the logo for the student organization Los Latinos Unidos — has been raised to honor and acknowledge the many accomplishments and contributions of the Hispanic communities on Stockton’s multicultural campus.

The annual tradition also launches the beginning of a month-long celebration that includes programming through Oct. 15.

High Schoolers Invited to Join Campus Community

A typical Tuesday morning bustled with hundreds of prospective Ospreys descending upon the Sports Center for last November’s Latino Visitation Day.

All of them were ready to learn more about the various student organizations and departmental resources that create Stockton’s diverse campus community.

“We want you to know that, here at Stockton, you are not just a student – you are a member of a community that celebrates who you are and encourages you to reach your fullest potential,” Michelle Puerta, an Admissions counselor who specializes in recruiting Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) students, said to the crowd.

Latino Visitation Day is a beloved annual tradition that invites Hispanic/Latino high schoolers from all across New Jersey to tour the Galloway campus, meet with current Stockton students, explore student organizations, such as Los Latinos Unidos, and receive guidance on what kinds of resources are available, including the offices of Career Education & Development and Financial Aid.

Among those tabling were representatives from Hispanic/Latino fraternities and sororities, like Omega Phi Beta, which caught the eye of Oakcrest junior Isabella Rosario. Rosario, who plans to pursue nursing once she graduates, said that seeing the Greek life Stockton provides was her favorite part of the day.

“Seeing the sororities that are just for Latinas is really inspirational, and I might join one just to be surrounded by my culture and to learn about others as well,” Rosario said. “Seeing a room full of Hispanics makes me think about where I came from, my family, culture, history and all of that.”

The high schoolers also had the opportunity to hear from Jessica Ramirez ’98, a proud Stockton alumna and assemblywoman for New Jersey’s 32nd legislative district in Jersey City and Hoboken.

To the audience of students, Ramirez shared her story of growing from an 8-year-old girl experiencing culture shock after moving to the United States from Puerto Rico to a Political Science student who, from support from her peers in the EOF program and her mentors, went on to earn a law degree and pass the bar exam in one attempt.

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Championing LGBTQ+ Pride

Flag Raising Launches LGBTQ+ History Month

Long before Stockton was ranked one of the top LGBTQ+-friendly colleges, a student in 1975 penned a letter denouncing the founding of a student organization called “The Gay Peoples’ Union” to the editors of the Argo titled, ‘I hate perverts.’”

Immediately following the letter is one titled “Gays’ rebuttal,” written by the GPU’s founding members. In it, they proclaim that the LGBTQ+ population at Stockton “share the same rights to life, organization and community enjoyed by all others.”

Today, Stockton is a higher education institution that has earned national recognition for its support of pride on campus, which is annually affirmed through a rainbow flag-raising ceremony, such as the one held last October in the Arts & Sciences Circle.

Reflecting on the past and how the people before them fought for their right to live their lives authentically was a common thread throughout the ceremony’s remarks.

Ellis Bonds ’15, director of Residential Education, credits the community of mentors he created while at Stockton, who helped him explore this part of his identity after being raised in a religiously conservative household. He also emphasized Marsha P. Johnson’s role in the Stonewall Riots, which became the catalyst for all modern-day Pride celebrations.

Website Ranks Stockton One of the Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Colleges

Stockton was named one of the top LGBTQ+ Friendly Colleges in the country by BestColleges.com.

Stockton was listed at No. 10 in the website’s 2024 rankings and was recognized for its Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Center (WGSC), which works with a number of LGBTQ+ student organizations, including the Queer & Trans People of Color Society and the Pride Alliance. According to the website, Stockton ranks among the best in the nation in efforts to support and provide academic, financial and social resources for LGBTQ+ students.

Laurie Dutton, the WGSC director, said Stockton has worked hard to foster a positive climate for the LGBTQ+ population. She’s thrilled and immensely proud of the ranking, which comes at a good time as the center celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 2025.

“This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire community to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students,” Dutton said. “This accolade underscores the progress we've made and further inspires us to continue advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion in every aspect of university life."

The WGSC opened its new lounge space on the Galloway campus in 2019, creating brave spaces for open discussions on gender, sexuality and intersectionality. Through Safe Zone training for faculty, staff and students, and partnerships with departments such as CAPS (Counseling) and the Speech and Hearing Clinic, the center provides strong support for the transgender community, Dutton said. 

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Supporting Military-Affiliated Students

Stockton Again in Top 10 in the Country in Military Friendly Rankings

For the second year in a row, Stockton University was recognized as a Top 10 school in the country for its outstanding outreach to military veterans.

Stockton was selected No. 10 among small public schools nationwide in the 2025-26 Military Friendly School survey. And for the first time, Stockton ranked No. 5 in the country among small public schools in the Military Spouse Friendly Survey. Stockton is the top-ranked small school in New Jersey in both categories. It’s the fourth year in a row that Stockton obtained a Military Friendly designation.

The survey is the longest-running and most comprehensive review of college and university investments in serving military and veteran students. It’s sent out by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to civilian employment and educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“These designations highlight our unwavering commitment to the entire military community,” said Michael Barany, director of Stockton’s Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC). “They are a testament to the strong partnerships across campus that help ensure our military-connected students thrive.”

Barany said one significant enhancement to the MVSC this year has been monthly visits by a veteran service officer from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, who assists students directly with U.S. Veterans Affairs disability claims and benefits and other veteran programming.

“This demonstrates Stockton’s proactive and comprehensive approach to student support through a ‘whole community’ approach that leverages the MVSC’s external partners,” he said. 

Stockton One of Top Schools in Mid-Atlantic in Military Times Rankings

Last fall, Military Times recognized Stockton as one of the top schools in the state and in the Mid-Atlantic for military service members and veterans.

Stockton was ranked No. 3 in New Jersey and No. 17 in the Mid-Atlantic region. The University was No. 144 out of 215 public schools and No. 185 out of 304 schools nationwide in the rankings.

“This recognition is a reflection of Stockton's collaborative spirit, driven by passionate faculty and staff who work diligently to empower, support and celebrate military-affiliated students as they achieve personal, academic and professional excellence,” said Michael Barany, director of Stockton’s Military and Veteran Success Center (MVSC). “Stockton truly sets the bar for fostering an environment where veteran success is not just encouraged but prioritized.”

The Military Times is the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. Each year, the organization sends a survey to colleges and universities across the nation asking about their programs for veterans. The survey results are then analyzed, along with public data about colleges and universities obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, and turned into an official ranking. 

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Building Bridges

Interfaith Panel Tries to Bridge Divides, Build Community

Bringing people together in a public space to share different perspectives and listen to others with empathy can be a powerful way to bridge divides and build community.

That was one of the main themes of an interfaith panel discussion held last Nov. 4, 2024, in the Michael Jacobson Board of Trustees Room at Stockton University. The discussion was part of the Peaceful Pathways Forward series started the previous year. Other events held that semester included a Good Neighbor Walk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in front of Kesselman Hall on Oct. 27, 2024, and a day of prayer, meditation and understanding on Oct. 7, 2024.

“These programs evolved as a result of our commitment to providing spaces for our community to engage in conversations about what’s happening here and throughout the world, and our ongoing collaboration and partnership with community-based Bridge of Faith, which represents a diverse group of clergy and lay leaders from throughout the community,” said Brian K. Jackson, vice president for Community Engagement at Stockton.

The panelists included: 

• Rabbi Jonathan Kremer, of Shirat Hayam in Ventnor
• Imam Benjamin Marriable, advisor to the Stockton Muslim Student Association and Imam of the Medina Islamic Center in Pleasantville
• Rabbi Abby Michaleski, of Beth Israel Congregation in Vineland and co-president of the South Jersey Board of Rabbis and Cantors
• Andrea Sandoval, president of the Stockton University Student Senate
• Pastor Lou Strugala, of Church by the Bay in Galloway Township
• Kayla Megronigle, co-president of Stockton Chabad

“Empathy does not require you to agree, but it does require you to listen and hold space for other people, including their emotions,” said Tina Zappile, the director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton, who moderated the discussion along with Hughes Research Director Alyssa Maurice.

“In that spirit, let’s acknowledge the grief and anger in our community, and why we are here today — to talk about how faith informs your role in the public sphere, and how you engage with others in your community,” Zappile said. 

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Advancing Black Excellence

Messages of Hope, Resilience on Display During Annual Flag Raising

As the wind whistled through the flags on display in the Arts & Sciences Circle, the briskness of the evening began settling in as the sun made its descent behind the speakers sitting in front of the crowd. Soon, Professor of Music Beverly Vaughn’s gloved fingers masterfully glided along on the keys of her piano.

The Feb. 4 ceremony, a flag raising that kicks off Stockton’s celebration of Black History Month, included stirring remarks from student leaders on the importance of Black heritage.

Students Elizabeth Macklin and My’Air Henry – president and vice president, respectively, of the Unified Black Students Society (UBSS) – opened the program by reflecting on the current state of the world.

“In today's climate, it is especially clear how important it is to be unified and to recognize that our strength lies in education, commemoration and community,” Macklin said. “As we continue today, please remember the purpose of this flag and how essential it is to maintain solidarity amongst each other, not only during Black History Month but throughout our everyday lives.”

“We know that, beyond this space, there are efforts to silence or erase Black history, but let's be clear: our history is not up for debate,” said Henry. “It is woven into the very fabric of this nation, and no policy can erase the impact we have made and continue to make.”

Lynnsey Raphael, a junior who serves as the president of the Caribbean Student Association (CSA), echoed Henry during her speech, saying that Black history is “world history.”

“[Black history is] the foundation of science, art, literature and civil rights that has shaped societies across the globe from the shores of Africa to the streets of Selma, from the brilliance of ancient scholars to the resilience of modern-day trailblazers. Black History Month is a testament to strength, innovation and perseverance,” said Raphael.

Transcending Spaces with Black Joy & Excellence

In celebration of Black History Month this spring, a panel discussion with students, faculty and staff in the Multicultural Center became a lively conversation on the Black lived experience and the role that resilience, joy and excellence play in it.

Guivenchiali Saint Jean, a second-year student in the Environmental Science & Africana Studies programs, and Timaya McGowan, a second-year Accounting major, served as the evening’s moderators and asked the panelists questions such as “What does Black excellence mean to you?” and “How has your African American identity shaped your leadership experience?”

Nasir Terry, a Political Science junior who works as a peer educator in the Multicultural Center, shared his at first complicated relationship with leadership. When he saw Black leaders in the media, he saw how challenging the journey to the positions they held was and found himself shying away from the spotlight because of it.

He has since had a change of heart, saying, “Now that I'm in positions that I am in, I really had to instill in my brain that, as a Black man, I have the opportunity to change so many young men’s lives in the future. I kind of wear my Blackness wherever I go, just so I can help show young children that you can be whatever you want to be.”

In a similar vein, Elizabeth Macklin, a senior Criminal Justice major, shared that experiencing the culture shock of attending a predominately-white institution after being raised in multicultural schools made her introverted. She expressed gratitude for the fact that she isn’t anymore.

“As a little freshman, I kind of shied away from my Black identity because I just didn't want to be noticed here,” Macklin said. “But then, I was like, ‘That’s not me, though.’ Even though I was a little shy, I figured someone else was, too. I was like, 'Okay, let me go to this meeting,’ which led to me eventually becoming club president (Unified Black Student Society).”

Juneteenth Celebration Reaffirm's Stockton Commitment to Equality

Following a parade led by the Boardwalk Community Fellowship Church’s drumline around the Stockton University Atlantic City campus, students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to celebrate Black freedom, culture and resilience at this year’s Juneteenth commemoration on Thursday, June 19.

Juneteenth, nationally recognized on June 19 but observed in New Jersey as the third Friday of June, honors the day that enslaved people in Texas were liberated from illegal bondage in 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

The celebration, a collaboration across Stockton’s student organizations and departments, included a soaring rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” by Chartertech High School for the Performing Arts student Brielle Scott, a soul food luncheon catered by Henri’s Hotts Barbeque and powerful speeches and remarks.

Stockton Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Terricita Sass delivered a keynote speech that explored the complex history behind Juneteenth and other pivotal moments, such as the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, while asking critical questions of today’s climate.

“It was the hope of my Black ancestors that America would make good on its penned and sacred national values: ‘All men are created equal, and they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ Except, the hope of 1865, 1965 and, I would say, of 2025, are yet to be fully realized, and we are reminded yet again that we have such a long way to achieve equality,” Sass said.

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Honoring Indigenous Cultures

Stockton Commemorates Indigenous Peoples' Day

Stockton marked its fourth year celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day last fall, a counter-holiday that centers on the history, culture and continued experiences of the Indigenous people who stewarded this land before it became recognized as the United States of America.

The Oct. 14, 2024, event was the culmination of two years of work by Ryann Casey ‘01, the exhibition coordinator for the Stockton Art Gallery, and her team, which gathered and organized the works of 25 local and international Indigenous artists for the “Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures” exhibition and its related celebrations and programming hosted by the School of Arts & Humanities.

“This exhibition highlights what I, as an alumna, consider to be core attributes of Stockton University, which are honoring land, identity and sustainability,” Casey said. “At the end of the day, I hope that this exhibit provides us with a foundation to learning more about the Indigenous experience.”

The daylong celebration began with a recognition of place and poem by Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould Jacinto of the Nanticoke/Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation and welcome remarks by Stockton President Joe Bertolino.

Their remarks struck a similar chord — both expressing their hopes for the celebration to be the continuation of honoring the land that Stockton occupies through living and stewarding responsibly and sustainably.

Outside of the Multicultural Center, students of the Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project’s (LRP) Indigenous Youth Program performed and explained the origin stories of various pow-wow dances.

Lia “Watching Sparrow” Gould of the project emphasized the fact that the program is inter-tribal and how passing down traditional dances is considered an integral part of the culture for many Indigenous/Native communities.

Later in the day, two panel discussions were held — one in the Campus Center Theatre following a screening of a documentary written and produced by Associate Professor of Communication Studies Jeremy Newman and one in the Art Gallery centered on indigenous life and culture.

"Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures" Programs Draw Over 1,000 Visitors

In celebration of the conversations on Indigenous identity that it sparked and the programming that welcomed over 1,000 community members both inside and outside of Stockton to campus last fall, the team behind “Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures” hosted a closing reception on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.

The evening began with students presenting the artwork they created in the exhibition’s associated workshops. Pieces included painted gourds from artist Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould Jacinto’s course, bandanas that were colored with natural dyes and screen-prints of turtles and trees.

Shortly before his performance of a traditional honor song, Ty “Dancing Wolf” Ellis of the Lenapehoking Revitalization Project (LRP) expressed gratitude for being a part of “Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures’” programming on behalf of the project’s youth program, which visited the campus to perform traditional dances for Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 15, 2024, and participated in some of the associated art workshops.

The photos the youth program took during one of the workshops were  on display in the gallery, and, according to Ellis, “They lit up seeing their artwork on the wall, and they now have this new fire and passion for art.”

Gould Jacinto of Nanticoke/Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation used her remarks to discuss the theme of the exhibition and how it illuminated the significance of sustainability as a “way of life rooted in harmony and a deep understanding of natural cycles.”

When concluding the evening, Exhibition Coordinator Ryann Casey ’01 thanked her team and emphasized how much of a team effort “Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures” was.

According to Casey, the exhibition and its associated programming and workshops were three years in the making and cross-departmental, making it the largest exhibition that she has ever curated. It is her hope that “Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures” will serve as a catalyst for even more across-campus and interdisciplinary collaboration.