Margate, N.J. — Neighbors, friends, alumni and advocates gathered at the home of Stockton University Foundation Board member Karen Alton on Sept. 10 for the Benefit on the Bay fundraiser, an evening dedicated to advancing mental health awareness and support for Stockton students.  

Proceeds from the event, held on World Suicide Prevention Day, benefit the Alton Mental Health Initiatives Fund, which strengthens counseling, peer support and mental health services at the university. 

Alton, the granddaughter of Elizabeth Alton, who led the campaign that resulted in the State of New Jersey founding then Richard Stockton State College, reflected on her vision for the fund.  

“I started this because I believe every student deserves the support and resources to thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and mentally. My goal was to create something that would continue to grow and positively impact lives for years to come. Already, we’re seeing meaningful change through new programs, students supported, and lives touched — but this is only the beginning.”  

To date, the Alton Mental Health Initiatives Fund has expanded peer counseling and provided funding for new programs at Stockton, including the IMALIVE Mental Health Fair, a two-day event that took place on the Galloway and Atlantic City campuses and brought awareness to mental health and suicide prevention.    

The fund has also allowed the university to establish a Mental Health Peer Mentor program and create initiatives focused on neurodiversity and eating disorder awareness, said Zupenda Davis, Stockton’s assistant vice president for Student Health and Wellness. 

“Mental health concerns among university students are increasing year over year,” Davis said. “There are rising rates of anxiety, depression and burnout, particularly post-pandemic. Mental health is foundational to student success, and thanks to this fund and your support, we are guiding a sustainable path forward.” 

“Karen’s generosity is transforming how we care for our students’ well-being,” said Daniel Nugent, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Foundation. “This support ensures Stockton can provide the resources students need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.” 

To support the Alton Mental Health Initiatives Fund, visit www.stockton.edu/give.  

The Stockton University Foundation’s mission is to remove barriers to student success, providing resources to make higher education more attainable. The Foundation awards more than $1 million annually in scholarships directly to Stockton students and supports faculty research, student life and other critical initiatives at the institution.  

­-- Story by Nikki Strothers, photos by Vernon Ogrodnek