Stockton News - July 19, 2024
WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT
Board of Trustees Approves $294 Million Operating Budget
The Stockton University Board of Trustees approved the 2024-25 operating budget at a meeting July 17.
The board approved the capital budget and a $294.7 million 2024-25 operating budget. The budget reflects the University’s commitment to institutional aid with $28 million available in merit and need-based aid to students, an increase of 39%— or $7.8 million—over the previous year.
Stockton will receive a record $45.109 million in state aid from the fiscal year 2025 budget approved by the New Jersey Legislature and signed by Gov. Phil Murphy last month. The funding is a 7% increase from 2024’s $42.179 million and is critical to facing significant inflationary cost increases the university has experienced.
“Paramount was the preservation of the $4.612 million for the Atlantic City campus and, with the help of Sen. Vince Polistina, that funding was included in the governor’s budget,” President Joe Bertolino said. “I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Sen. Polistina, Assemblywoman Claire Swift, and Assemblyman Don Guardian for voting in support of the FY25 State Budget containing Stockton’s appropriation.
GOALS' Student to Leader Pipeline is Successful
This time next year, the students who joined Stockton's college-preparedness program, GOALS/GEAR UP, as seventh graders will have applied for and been accepted to colleges and universities as high-school graduates, armed with the knowledge and skills that were earned through completing the program.
GOALS/GEAR UP — which stands for Goal-Oriented Advocates, Leaders and Scholars – Gaining Early Awareness for Undergraduate Programs — is a program that enables students in grades 7-12 to envision themselves in college before taking the leap and applying.
They do this through various programs that allow middle- and high-school students to explore the campus, participate in academic and social enrichment activities and build relationships with each other and the program’s counselors.
Through the six-week Summer Academy, students Jamiah Bailey and Ahnjeles Maldonado grew from high school students to university student leaders who are active and involved on Stockton’s campus. This year, both decided to return to the program as student mentors, sharing what they have learned and helping students get on the same trajectory as them.
Political Science Professor Tina Zappile Named New Hughes Center Director
You could say politics and public policy runs in Tina Zappile’s blood because it literally does.
The new director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University is the great-granddaughter of Malcolm Nichols, who was the mayor of Boston from 1926 to 1930.
“So, I kind of came to this job naturally in some ways,” she said with a laugh.
Zappile, who’s also an Associate Political Science Professor at Stockton, was named the center’s new director on July 1, after longtime leader John Froonjian retired earlier this year.
“It’s really coming back to my roots in studying public policy,” Zappile said. “All along it had always been part of what I studied, what I taught. I study international organizations and rules for the world. Public policy is the most important thing that impacts people’s lives.”
📰 In the News: The Press of Atlantic City, New Jersey Globe
PAC's 2024-25 Schedule Packed with Legends and Icons
From tales of ‘Sex in the City’ to tributes to music legends, the 2024-25 schedule for Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center (PAC) has something for everybody.
According to PAC Director Anjanette Christy, this season is filled with “iconic music, cutting-edge dance and powerful storytelling.”
“This season’s richness lies in its variety and extraordinary talent,” Christy said. "At the PAC, we celebrate the power of live theater and the magic it brings into our lives. Our audiences breathe life into our performances, making every show a memorable adventure. I believe this year’s lineup will engage, entertain and inspire our patrons.”
🎭View the full calendar of events here.
WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU
Facebook: Here is your reminder to take some time for yourself!
X: I can't hear you! Who's excited for the fall semester? We are welcoming new Ospreys everyday on campus and look forward to fall classes beginning Sept. 5.
Instagram: Before he became president and an owner of his family business Surfide Casual, Robert Himmelstein '86 was working five days a week and attending classes full time to earn his accounting degree.
FROM THE SIDELINES
Track & Field Teams Collect USTFCCCA Academic Honors
The men's and women's track & field teams each qualified for All-Academic Team honors from the U.S Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for the 2024 season. The requirement was a cumulative team grade point average of 3.10 or higher.
The women's team, under the direction of head coach Claire Incantalupo, registered a 3.40 team grade point average, and the Osprey men's squad, coached by Jayson Resch, recorded a 3.20 team GPA. The women's team made the list for the 13th consecutive year, while the men's squad qualified for the 12th time in the last 13 years.
Along with the team honors, Megan Campanile, Kayla Kass and Michaela Pomatto qualified as USTFCCCA All-Academic Athletes individually for the second consecutive year.
In order to qualify, competitors needed to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher and finished the season ranked in the top 50 in the nation in an individual event or top 35 nationally in a relay.
OSPREY NOTES
Seeking Vendors for University Weekend Street Fair
Stockton University is seeking arts, crafts and merchandise vendors to take part in the upcoming University Weekend Street Fair from noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19.
The University Weekend Street Fair is one of the signature events during University Weekend, welcoming the entire Stockton community, including students, families, alumni and friends. It provides an excellent opportunity for vendors to showcase their unique products to a diverse and engaged audience.
“We are excited to invite vendors to be a part of the University Weekend Street Fair,” said Lauren Wilson, associate director of Student Development. “This event serves as a lively platform to highlight local talent, arts, crafts and merchandise, creating a dynamic atmosphere for our community.”
New ID Card Design Coming to Campus
Don't be surprised if you see a student swiping a vertical ID card at the Food Court this semester.
Stockton has redesigned its ID cards with some key enhancements. The new design features a vertical layout, inclusion of the University wordmark and an "Issued On" date. Diagonal colored bands help to quickly differentiate between students, faculty & staff, university affiliates and police.
A clear plastic laminate top coat helps to reduce wear. The barcode now represents an individual's Z-number which can be read using optical reader technology.
There is no need to order a replacement ID card at this time. Should you lose or damage your current card, your replacement card will feature the new design.
UPCOMING EVENTS
👩💻 Professional Development Opportunities
Now-July 26: Atlantic City Walking Tours
Now-Aug. 7: Children’s Summer Playhouse
Now-Aug. 11: Surfside Casual Furniture 2024 Summer Show House
Now-Aug. 23: American History Through War Perspectives
July 22: 7th Annual Wally and Lutz Hammerschlag Summer Educator Seminar Study Tour
Aug. 1: 🎹 “The Mischlinge Exposè” with Carolyn Enger
Aug. 4: 🎡 Stockton Day at Morey’s Piers
