Galloway, N.J. – Over 50 EOF students kicked off their weekends on Friday, July 12 by cleaning up and refurbishing O'Donnell Memorial Park across from the Stockton University Atlantic City campus.

From 9-11 a.m., the students planted seven flower beds, repainted numerous benches and the pergola, hung a new United States flag, and scrubbed the rotunda inside and out, including the Liberty in Distress memorial inside. 

The cleanup project was organized with the assistance of Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) Director Rick Santoro, Stockton Atlantic City Campus Operations, and the Stockton Office of Service Learning.

Santoro said he and the staff appreciate Stockton’s effort to support and improve the community.

“Today’s effort is an example of a great partnership and teamwork,” he said.

“Service learning is a cornerstone of the EOF-AC program,” said Associate EOF Director Angel Hernandez. “We are not just in Atlantic City; we are a part of it. We work closely with the office of Service Learning and the Stockton Center for Community Engagement to engage students in transformational learning experiences that help them reflect, grow, and leave their mark on the Stockton and surrounding communities.”

Students said they enjoyed the projects and improving the appearance of the park.

Christian Cabrera lives near the park and said he enjoyed giving something back to his hometown.

"It helps how people look at the city," he said of the flowers he helped plant.

Karanvir Singh of Jersey City said he also picked up some skills on how to mulch and prune.

"This was my first time gardening," he said. "It was nice to help, but I also learned things."

Chase Dupont of Mt. Laurel said he will be living in the Atlantic City Residential Complex as a student, so he liked doing something for the community where he will live.

Rockii Cooper of Camden said the day was just one of many things she is getting from the summer EOF program.

"They are really teaching us skills we can use," she said. "I really like the morning jump start (exercise). It makes a difference in my day."

The next EOF day of service will be July 27. 

For more information about Stockton EOF, visit the program webpage.

Reported by Kat H. Wentzell.

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Contact:
Diane D’Amico
Director of News and Media Relations
Stockton University
Galloway, N.J. 08205
Diane.DAmico@stockton.edu
609-652-4593
609-412-8069
stockton.edu/media