Galloway, N.J. –The Stockton University Foundation’s Scholarship Benefit Gala returned to the university’s Galloway campus for the first time in 20 years on Saturday, April 26, and lit up the Campus Center with energy and purpose.  

Nearly 500 alumni, donors, faculty, staff, parents and friends made a lasting difference for Stockton students. Through their support, the event raised more than $330,000 toward scholarships, helping to provide meaningful financial assistance to students pursuing their academic and professional goals. 

“This homecoming was more than symbolic — it was an important reminder of why we support Stockton,” said Brigid Callahan Harrison ’88, chair of the Stockton Foundation. “When we empower students, we’re investing in the future of our communities. The impact of this evening will be felt for years to come.” 

President Joe Bertolino shared that sentiment. “Every day at Stockton, I see firsthand how our students are lifted by a community that believes in them, supports them and stands by them,” he said. 

“Scholarships do more than ease financial burdens; they open doors to life-changing opportunities. They allow a student to say yes to an unpaid internship, to focus fully on academics, or to become the first in their family to walk proudly across the commencement stage. When we invest in our students, we are investing in future leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers who will shape the future of our communities — and our world.” 

The evening’s festivities showcased the heart of Stockton’s academic and creative community through hands-on experiences led by the university’s talented students and faculty.  

Guests enjoyed tastings with Stockton’s sustainability farm and sparkling wine pairings with students from Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management. They challenged themselves with a “Beat the Polygraph” activity hosted by the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and viewed nanoscale images through an atomic force microscope. Guests also explored the “Science of Strength” with the Exercise Science program and took part in competitive learning games created by the School of Education.  

Highlights of the night also included: 

• A lively dance party with DJ Ahmed Khan ’89 

• Musical performances from Stockapella and the Stockton String Ensemble 

• An interactive dueling piano set by Shake Rattle & Roll 

• An art gallery of student and alumni work, available for guests to take home with a donation to the School of Arts and Humanities 

Garrett Testut, a senior Marine Science major from Norwich, Connecticut, said, “Through the support of my Foundation Scholarship, I was able to pursue career-shaping experiences — from working alongside whales and dolphins while interning with the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center, to caring for sick and injured seals at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.  

“The financial support provided by my scholarship allowed me to accept unpaid positions that have directly prepared me for my future career — opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise. I am beyond grateful for the Foundation, and it is just one of the many reasons I am proud to be an Osprey.” 

The gala’s success was made possible in large part by sponsors, including International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351, the Stockton University Foundation Board of Directors, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law, Dr. Howard and Gayle Gross, the Azeez Foundation, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Local 255, Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, Pepsi, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and many others whose continued partnership advances Stockton’s mission. 

The Stockton University Foundation is dedicated to supporting Stockton University by providing scholarships, funding academic programs and enhancing the student experience. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation helps remove barriers to student success. 

For more information about the Foundation and how to support students, please visit stockton.edu/foundation. 

-- Story by Nikki Strothers, photos by Vernon Ogrodnek