Picture Stockton... soaring higher on Spirit Day
Galloway, N.J. - President Joe welcomed new students on Spirit Day cheering, "Soar higher!"
The crowd responded, "Go Ospreys!"
He encouraged first-year students to take flight by showing up--for class, for yourself, for your friends and family, and for what matters most to you. This simple, but sometimes scary, step is the way forward on your journey to success.
This year's class of 1,500 first-year students and 700 transfer students came to Stockton University from 16 different states and nine countries. Four new programs, Hemp & Cannabis Management, Esports Management, Digital Studies and Education & Human Development, begin this semester.
The photo series below is how the Ospreys show their spirit.
Photo story by Susan Allen
Talon led new students into the Sports Center where the Stockton community gave an enthusiastic welcome.
Someone understood the soar higher assignment.
Stockton's MVPs were excited to meet the newest Ospreys.
The Stockton Dance Team, ranked 4th in the nation for Hip Hop and 5th in the nation for Jazz at the 2024 UDA Nationals, performed.
The Cheerleading team spelled out their spirit with backflips and pom poms.
Stockton Greeks performed a unity stroll. Meet the Greeks, a meet-and-greet social with Stockton's more than 30 recognized fraternities and sororities, is Sept. 16.
Student Senate President Andrea Sandoval led a pledge for new students to commit to creating a welcoming and respectful environment where academic success can be achieved.
Students locked arms in unity before heading out to the track for the Spirit Walk.
Placing a hand on the G. Larry James touch stone is a tradition for not only athletes but all new students. The late G. Larry James, known as "The Mighty Burner," spent 36 years as a coach, athletic director and dean at Stockton after winning a gold medal in the 4x400 relay and a silver medal in the 400-meter dash at the 1968 Olympics.
The Spirit Walk took students for a loop around the track.
Students danced at the After Party.
A basketball tournament brought students to the I wing gym.
Karaoke and dancing brought students to the Multicultural Center.
Canoeing brought students to Lake Fred.
