Somers Point, N.J. – More than 60 Stockton supporters gathered on Thursday, Aug. 23 at Tavern on the Bay to raise funds for the Stockton University Foundation’s Student Relief Fund. The fund assists Stockton students who encounter severe financial emergencies or experience catastrophic events which make them financially vulnerable.

"The Student Relief Fund provides students with financial assistance when all other options have been exhausted,” said Daniel Nugent, Stockton University chief development officer. “Last academic year, the fund awarded more than $11,000 directly to Stockton students experiencing extreme financial hardships. Thanks to the generosity of those who attended the benefit, and other generous benefactors, we will far exceed that number in the coming year.”

 Sponsored by Dr. Ira Trocki of Reliance Medical Group and Tavern on the Bay, the event treated guests to a cocktail reception, live music and stunning views of the bay.

“As a parent of a current Stockton student, I wanted to get involved and make an impact,” said Vince Papaccio, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Reliance Medical Group in Northfield, who has volunteered to raise money for the Fund over the past two years. “I have made the Student Relief Fund a philanthropic priority to ensure that all Stockton students have the opportunity to earn their degree, despite their circumstances.”

Since September 2017, the Student Relief Fund has provided assistance to dozens of students who otherwise might not have been able to continue their education.

“The fund is literally keeping a number of students in school and allowing them to graduate,” said Craig Stambaugh, administrator of the Student Relief Fund and assistant vice president of student affairs. “The students we assist are doing well in the classroom and work part-time or full-time and simply do not have the finances to cover their expenses. I have had students cry when hearing of assistance through the Student Relief Fund, as they had nowhere else to turn.”

To help support the Student Relief Fund, visit Stockton.edu/studentrelief.

Caption: (Left to right) Dan Nugent, Stockton University chief development officer and executive director of the Stockton University Foundation, Dr. Ira Trocki, partner, Reliance Medical Group, Vince Papaccio, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Reliance Medical Group and Dr. Harvey Kesselman, president, Stockton University.  

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Contact: 
Diane D’Amico
Director of News and Media Relations
Galloway, N.J. 08205
Diane.D’Amico@stockton.edu
609-652-4593
stockton.edu/media