For Immediate Release; Photos on Flickr

Contact:         Maryjane Briant
                        News and Media Relations Director
                        Galloway, N.J. 08205
                        Maryjane.Briant@stockton.edu
                        (609) 652-4593
                        www.stockton.edu/media

Galloway, N.J. - The parents of the late Paul Staller, a Stockton graduate, today added to his legacy by establishing the Paul D. Staller ’97 Writing Center Endowed Fund, which will support writing tutors at the University Writing Center.

“Billie and I wanted to honor our son, a gifted and talented writer who wrote and spoke with great wit and with an extensive knowledge and understanding of the use of language,” said Alan Staller, an attorney from Margate, N.J.

“We feel that helping to educate students at the university in writing skills and to provide financial assistance for their education will be a special way to keep alive the memory of Paul, especially his wit and humor,” said Billie Staller, who is a docent at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Paul Staller was a writing tutor during his career at Stockton and graduated with a degree in Communications Studies.

“Alan’s and Billie’s generosity will nurture the work that their son loved, providing financial support for tutors as they focus on enabling other students to sharpen their writing skills and go on to academic and career success,” said President Harvey Kesselman.

The university will permanently name Room J-105j, which houses the University Writing Center, the “Paul D. Staller ’97 Writing Room,” in memory of Paul and in recognition of the Staller family’s generosity, said Philip Ellmore, chief development officer and executive director of the University Foundation.

Signing the agreement today were Alan and Billie Staller, President Kesselman and Foundation Chair Richard Dovey. Also present were Paul’s sister, Laurie Staller, and her husband, Peter

Sallata, the Stallers’ granddaughter and Paul’s niece, Hannah Frebowitz, Paul’s uncle and aunt, Richard and Helane Staller, and the Stallers’ friend, Bill Gormley.

“Paul Staller left an indelible mark on Stockton’s Writing Center,” said Pam Cross, coordinator of the Skills Center Writing Lab. “I remember Paul employing his many gifts as a tutor: a keen mind, a gentle spirit and his legendary ability to connect with others. Paul Staller made us laugh and learn, and he brought us together.”

For more information about the Stockton University Foundation, visit stockton.edu/foundation.