Alumni Achievement Awards Honor Those Giving Back

alumni achievement awards 2025

The recipients of the 2025 Alumni Achievement Awards are, from left, Kennard Weever '95, Siera Smith Vargas '14, Mark Giannantonio '87, Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt MBA '05, Ed.D '22, President Joe Bertolino, Matthew Greer '15, Andrea Sandoval '25, Eddie Horan '14, M.A. '15 and Henry Glickel '85.

Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University honored the remarkable achievements of its alumni at the 2025 Alumni Achievement Awards held on Thursday, June 5, in the Campus Center Event Room.  

The evening, filled with heartfelt stories, lively music and campus pride, brought together graduates, faculty, staff and friends to recognize the outstanding contributions of Ospreys who continue to make an impact in their professions, communities and at their alma mater. 

Hosted by Scott Francis ’98, senior director of Alumni & Gift Success at Auburn University and a member of Stockton's Alumni Council on Engagement, the celebration featured the presentation of eight awards highlighting professional excellence, volunteer service, alumni engagement and emerging leadership. 

The evening's speakers echoed a powerful message: Stockton is more than a university. It is a place where shared purpose drives progress and transformation. Alumni reflected on legendary faculty, moments of being welcomed and challenged, and the belief that where you start doesn't determine where you end up. With courage and conviction, they continue to build Stockton’s future together. 

Mark Giannantonio and Joe Bertolino

Stockton President Joe Bertolino, right, presents Resorts Casino Hotel President and CEO Mark Giannantonio '87 with the Presidential Service Award.

Mark Giannantonio ’87, president & CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel, received the evening’s final honor, the Presidential Service Award, presented by Stockton President Joe Bertolino. 

“My time spent at Stockton helped to define me as a young man and prepare me for the future,” Giannantonio said. “It would be an understatement to say that I couldn't have achieved my career goals had it not been for my education and my experience at Stockton.” 

President Bertolino emphasized the significance of alumni continuing to shape the institution’s future.  

“We honor Ospreys who are making a difference — in their professions, in their communities, and right here at Stockton,” he said. “They exemplify what it means to lead with care, to give back generously, and to stay connected to the place that helped shape them.” 

Henry Glickel ’85, who won the Alumni Volunteer Award, emphasized this spirit of giving back and collective purpose. 

“The University helped shape me. And now it's our turn to give back. Whether you volunteer at a campus event, speak in a class, mentor a student, or contribute financially — know that every gesture counts,” he said. 

As stories of leadership and purpose filled the room, it was clear Stockton’s impact continues through the actions and values of its alumni. 

Here are the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award honorees: 

Future Leader Award: Andrea Sandoval ’25 (Freehold, N.J.) 

Student Senate President, Stockton University 

Campus Partner Award: Eddie Horan ’14, M.A. ’15 (Absecon, N.J.) 

Writing Center Coordinator, Stockton University 

GOLD Alumni Award: Dr. Matthew Greer ’15 (Galloway, N.J.)

Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Stockton University 

GOLD Alumni Award: Siera Smith Vargas ’14 (Mays Landing, N.J.) 

President, Upright Labs & Neatoscan 

Alumni Volunteer Award: Henry Glickel ’85 (Salem, N.H.) 

President, Sales Recruiters, Inc. 

Harvey Kesselman Alumni Impact Award: Dr. Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt MBA ’05, Ed.D. ’22 (Somers Point, N.J.) 

President, Suasion Communications Group 

Professional Achievement Award: Kennard Weever ’95 (Grayson, Georgia) 

Executive Director, Atlanta Technical College Preparatory Academy 

Presidential Service Award: Mark Giannantonio ’87 (Northfield, N.J.) 

President and CEO, Resorts Casino Hotel 

For more information about the Stockton University Foundation and opportunities to get involved and stay connected, please visit stockton.edu/alumni.   

— Story by Nikki Strothers, photos by Vernon Ogrodnek