Galloway, N.J. — When Richard Maung started classes at Stockton University for his master’s degree in Physical Therapy, he had no idea he would eventually run a nationwide network of more than 600 clinics.

“I had no idea whether I would make any mark on my profession or in my community,” said the clinical director and partner of Ivy Rehab Network at the Stockton University Doctoral and Master’s Commencement Ceremony on May 12. “And I certainly had no idea how many individual lives I would be fortunate to impact in a meaningful way.”

Maung, who graduated from Stockton in 2001 with his master’s and later in 2009 with his doctorate in Physical Therapy, told the graduates that Stockton, “an institution that celebrates knowledge and builds a cultural of excellence,” has equipped them to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. 

“What I see in front of me today are individuals who will seize the day by embracing opportunity. I see leaders who will innovate, inspire others to be their very best, and raise the bar through owning their performance,” he said.

The ceremony, at the university’s Sports Center, honored more than 420 graduates, including:

• 58 candidates who earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy,
• 14 who earned a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and
• 2 who earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
• 3 in the university’s first class for a Master of Science in Accounting and
• 344 who received master’s degrees in 15 other programs, including American Studies, Business Administration, Business Administration in Healthcare Administration and Leadership, Education, Instructional Technology, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Public Health, Coastal Zone Management, Data Science and Strategic Analytics, Counseling, Criminal Justice and Social Work.

Stockton President Joe Bertolino congratulated the graduates saying that it’s no small feat to earn a graduate or doctoral degree.

“It takes discipline, intellect, sacrifice, focus, stamina and more than a little grace,” he said. “You have juggled late nights, research deadlines, clinical placements, work schedules, family responsibilities, internships, papers, exams, presentations and probably a few moments when you wondered whether you had anything left to give. And yet, here you are. You persevered. You stayed the course. You soared higher.”

Maung, who established the university’s first physical therapy–specific scholarship created by an alumnus, introduced faculty speaker Mary Lou Galantino, distinguished professor of Physical Therapy.

“She has been a friend, mentor, an inspiration to so many of us, and when I was a student, I never dreamt I would be on the same stage, having the honor of introducing her,” he said.

Galantino began her speech by mentioning that she’s attended nearly 35 years of Stockton graduations and “witnessing your walk on this stage to receive your diploma still gives me chills.”

“You stand today facing a world that is undeniably complex, layered with rapid change and offering challenges without clear instructions,” she said. “But this complexity is not a barrier. It is an invitation for you to be thinkers, healers, advocates and visionaries.”

Galantino offered some advice by explaining the concept of Ubuntu, which she learned during her Fulbright work in South Africa. She said it’s “the simple, yet profound realization that I am what I am because of who we all are.”

“Ubuntu shifts our focus from individual mastery to using our expertise to serve the community and elevate an entire field,” she said. “We recognize today not just as a personal milestone, but as a commitment to being an integral part of a larger, collective work in progress.”

She said to be a part of Ubuntu, the world needs the graduates to not just be accomplished but be whole.

“The world is not waiting for perfection. It is waiting for your heartfelt participation knowing that working together we all succeed,” Galantino said. “Your legacy is like planting seeds in a garden you may never see. May you root yourselves deeply in your communities and lead with the spirit of interconnectedness, caring deeply about others.”

Maung reminded the graduates that while the world “will throw you curveballs,” Stockton has prepared them well.

“Stay the course. Remember that the education and training you received at Stockton prepared you to stay engaged, pivot when needed, and reinvent yourself,” he said. “You are well-positioned to meet the challenges of a world that keeps changing.”

Stockton’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., on Friday, May 15, at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. About 2,000 students are eligible to participate, and more than 10,000 guests are expected.

— Story by Mark Melhorn, photos by Susan Allen