Galloway, N.J. — Six professionals whose work fosters mentorship, inspires growth and invests in others will be recognized by the Stockton University Women’s Leadership Council (SWLC) during the initiative’s third annual Excellence in Mentoring Awards on Tuesday, March 24.  

The awards ceremony, at Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus, will honor the following recipients for their work within and outside of the university:  

• Mentoring Champion: Dr. Alexis Reyes ’15  

• Community Leadership: Rita and Anthony Mack  

• SWLC Impact Mentor: Terri Schieder ’82  

• SWLC Student Leadership: Eleonora Byrne, Class of 2026  

• Legacy Mentor: Gayle Gross 

The program was created to celebrate mentors and to acknowledge their impact in the community, said Jennifer Aarons, Stockton assistant professor of Hospitality, Tourism, Event Management and Esports and the chair of the SWLC. 

“Bridging together successful, compassionate and entrepreneurial women from across various industries and giving them the chance to network and learn from each other is more important than ever before. The awards ceremony is our way of honoring the connections these wonderful leaders built amongst themselves,” Aarons said.  

Reyes, this year’s Mentoring Champion, was nominated by Stockton student Lorie Horta, who received valuable mentorship and guidance from the forensic psychologist during her internship last fall.  

According to Horta, Reyes’ attentiveness and commitment in shaping a well-rounded experience, despite the challenges of last October’s government shutdown inspired her own aspirations within the criminal justice system.  

Rita and Anthony Mack, who received the 2026 Community Leadership Award, have been generous and engaged members of the Stockton community for decades.  

The former McDonald's franchise owners have helped expand opportunities for students through scholarships as former members of the Stockton Foundation Board, and Rita supported the development and implementation of the SWLC as a founding member.  

Recently, the Macks established a $150,000 endowed scholarship with the Stockton University Foundation through their A&R Mack Foundation to support undergraduate students. 

Terri Schieder, whose work within the SWLC earned her the title of Impact Mentor this year, has been a dedicated participant in the initiative’s mentoring program for six years. Schneider is known for her quiet generosity and steady commitment to the program, and for keeping the best interests of students at the forefront.  

This year’s Student Leadership recipient, Eleonora Byrne, is set to graduate from the Psychology program this spring. Through a chance encounter with a member of the SWLC on a golf course, Byrne has been able to build a meaningful mentor/mentee relationship that expanded into both personal and professional growth since 2004. 

Gayle Gross, Stockton Foundation board member and recipient of the Legacy Mentor Award, is a pillar of the South Jersey community whose generosity of time, talent and resources extends well beyond Stockton. 

As a founding member of the SWLC, Gross has served on the committee as a compassionate advocate and steadfast supporter of the initiative’s mission and growth.  

In addition to her work within the council, Gross has served for more than 25 years on the Stockton University Foundation Board, where she helped establish the Foundation Board of Directors Scholarship, advocated for student relief, housing essentials and the food pantry, and served on the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center Executive Committee Board and as the Benefit Gala Committee Chair.  

She and her husband, Dr. Howard Gross, are longtime donors who have established scholarships supporting students in Dance and Environmental Studies. 

The SWLC is a Stockton University Foundation initiative dedicated to the empowerment of women and seeks to promote networking among women and the community. The SWLC offers a platform for professionals to build relationships, discuss issues related to women, engage in mentorship opportunities, and explore ways that relevant program events and leadership development opportunities can be supported by enhanced philanthropy.  

Community members and organizations are invited to attend or sponsor the event, helping expand mentorship and scholarship opportunities for women through the SWLC.