First Graduates Celebrated as ‘Golden Ospreys’ at Reunion
Members of the class of 1974 were invited to join this year's Commencement celebration and a reunion event in Lakeside Lodge.
Galloway, N.J. – As the smiling graduates of the Stockton University class of 2024 entered Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in May to celebrate their commencement exercises, they were joined by a distinguished group of fellow Ospreys invited to lead the procession at this year’s ceremony: members of the Stockton class of 1974.
For the first time, Stockton celebrated the 50th anniversary of its earliest graduates with a special event dubbed “Golden Osprey Reunion.” Members of the class of 1974 were invited to lead this year’s commencement procession and to attend a reunion event on campus. Members of the classes of 1972 and 1973 were also invited to join in the on-campus festivities, which included time to reminisce, a display of special items from the Stockton Archives, campus tours and a formal ceremony to induct all 50-year graduates as members of the Golden Ospreys.
Each Golden Osprey was presented with a medallion symbolizing their enduring legacy at Stockton. Once inducted, alumni can attend the reunion celebration annually. Each year’s 50th reunion class will also be invited to lead that year’s commencement procession.
President Joe Bertolino, who welcomed graduates to both events, said the idea for creating the Golden Ospreys is to honor the legacy of these graduates and their contributions not only to Stockton but to their careers and communities as well.
“Our 50-year graduates were among the first to set foot on our fledgling campus in the pines,” Bertolino said. “They deserve to be celebrated, and I am honored to welcome them home to Stockton.”
Alumni attendees, who graduated from then Stockton State College when gas was 50 cents a gallon and M.A.S.H. was the No. 1 show on television, spent time talking about their days as the first students to take a chance on the new school in Pomona. Many of those in attendance began their Stockton careers at the Mayflower Hotel on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, while construction on the main campus was completed.
“Taking the risk of attending a college that didn't yet have a brick-and-mortar campus turned out to be a very wise decision. I'm feeling grateful to have survived 50 years of life's challenges, transforming from a Woodstock flower child Jersey girl to a Golden Osprey,” said Valerie Hairrell ‘74. “Hopefully, I'll walk in Stockton's 75th anniversary commencement ceremony!”
– Story by Nikki Strothers
Alumni Achievement Awards Highlight the Power of Community
May 23, 2024
Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University honored 10 of its outstanding graduates during the annual Alumni Achievement Awards on May 16. Nearly 200 guests celebrated the diverse accomplishments and contributions of the honorees to the university, their communities and professions.
“We are proud to shine a spotlight on Stockton alumni making an impact throughout the region,” said Dan Nugent, Stockton’s vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Stockton University Foundation. “These extraordinary Ospreys highlight the very best of Stockton and what we hope for all our students as they leave campus and head off to embark on their next chapters.”
More than 65 nominations were submitted for this year’s awards, which recognize the ways Stockton alumni make a difference both on campus and beyond. The Stockton Alumni Council on Engagement (ACE) reviews the nominations and selects recipients.
“Bottom line is this is a special place. We’ve produced some remarkable individuals who have made their mark on their communities and the university," said Scott Francis '98, ACE member and emcee for the event. “Our purpose tonight is to celebrate our volunteers and leaders and recognize them for their passion and dedication.”
