Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University welcomed alumni, donors and community partners to campus April 18 for the annual Foundation Scholarship Benefit Gala, raising nearly $340,000 for Foundation scholarships.

Throughout the evening in the Campus Center, guests explored student- and faculty-led interactive demonstrations, including piloting remotely operated vehicles with the Marine Field Station, enjoying dessert and wine pairings curated by the Hospitality & Tourism program, sampling campus-grown produce from Stockton’s Sustainability Farm and exploring the stars through the Harold E. Taylor Observatory’s telescopes.

Guests were also given the opportunity to engage in student-built projects, such as games designed by Digital Studies students and origami folded by students in the School of Education.

In addition to the elegant Grand Hall, exclusive auction and high-energy dance floor, the Coffeehouse was transformed into an art and music café featuring student and faculty artwork available for purchase, acoustic music and poetry performances by students, faculty and alumni and an interactive art installation inspired by Lake Fred.

Stockton President Joe Bertolino and Stockton Foundation Board President Lori Herndon ’92 encouraged guests to explore, engage and connect.

“We are a community of opportunity … a place where our students are seen, supported and inspired to soar higher. Tonight, please connect with our students and see firsthand the impact of your support and all you do to make Stockton so special,” Bertolino said.

“The Gala celebrates what we can accomplish together,” Herndon added. “On behalf of the Foundation Board, thank you for your support of student scholarships and for helping make higher education accessible. Your generosity is opening doors for students all around us, tonight, and for generations to come.”

The impact of that support was reflected in the experience of first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student Josephine Bruce, a Foundation Scholarship recipient who provided rapid physical assessments to gala guests, utilizing what she learned in her courses to offer advice on easing muscle tension, improving posture and more.

“Between graduate school and student loans, applying and being awarded a Foundation Scholarship was really helpful,” Bruce said, sharing that she hopes to meet the donor currently supporting her first year.

Top sponsors include: Atlantic City Electric, An Exelon Company; Atlantic County Utilities Authority; Azeez Foundation; Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa; Janice and Frank Cambron; Casino Reinvestment Development Authority; Chartwells Higher Education; Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law; Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Local 255; Glenn Insurance, Inc.; Goldman Sachs, Dr. Howard and Gayle Gross; Hackensack Meridian Health; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Local 351; Michelle and H. Paxson Keates; Brian M. Nelson ’99; Ocean Casino Resort; Pennoni; Pepsi; South Jersey Gas; Stockton University Foundation Board of Directors; Tito's Handmade Vodka; and Yezzi Associates.  

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

View more photos from the Gala