Stockton News - March 20, 2026 - University Relations & Marketing

Stockton News - March 20, 2026

WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT

Stockton Campus Police Swears in Nine New Officers

The Stockton University Police Department swore in nine new officers, including a former Stockton student, on March 16 in a ceremony in the Campus Center Event Room.

The new officers included Numa Rodriguez-Rojas, of Pleasantville, a 2025 Stockton alum who graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. The other new officers are include Emily Casco-David of Galloway Township, Thomas Cannon of Egg Harbor Township, Nikola Berlenbach of Little Egg Harbor Township, Dexter Dambroski of South Toms River, Christopher Pollina of Tuckerton, Corey Lawson of Camden, John Waddell of Hammonton and Michael Zoda of Linwood.

Before being officially sworn in by Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Julie E. Nugent, Stockton Police Chief Tracy Stuart praised the new officers.

“You are the final pieces of our puzzle. The final pieces we needed for our team so that we can do our best to protect and serve our community,” she said. “Watching you grow professionally is going to be an amazing journey that I’m so excited to be a part of.”

State Grant Brings New Pop-Up Food Pantries on Campus

Stockton Cares recently launched a new pilot program on the university campus called Pop-Up Pantries through the Food Assistance Program with help from a grant from the state of New Jersey.

Pop-Up Pantries are currently located in Stockton Cares in F-107, the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Center in F-103, and the Military and Veteran Success Center in F-105.

These newly implemented Pop-Up Pantries allow students enrolled in the Food Assistance Program to conveniently access quick, ready-to-eat meals. The meals are microwavable and easily portable for busy students with little time between classes. Some of the funding for the program came from a $27,500 grant Stockton received from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary for Higher Education’s (OSHE) Hunger-Free Campus Act.

According to OSHE’s Spring 2025 Student Food Security Survey, food insecurity among college students persists, affecting 36% of the 11,877 students who responded and 50% of first-generation students. Nearly half (45%) of students had difficulty affording balanced meals and even with lifeline federal assistance programs, 65% of students still reported food insecurity.

“We saw a need for students to have quick access to food, especially in spaces that are comfortable and familiar,” said Kelly Burns, student basic needs resources coordinator for Stockton Cares.

Foundation Scholarship Gala to Bring Garden Affair to Campus

After a triumphant return to Stockton's Galloway campus last year, the annual Foundation Scholarship Benefit Gala will be back at the Campus Center at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.

Since the Gala’s start more than 40 years ago, the event has raised more than $5 million for scholarships that support Stockton’s students in pursuing higher education. The Benefit Gala Endowed Scholarship Fund ensures Stockton students receive financial support and access to a life-changing education.

“Year after year, we are grateful for the incredible commitment the Stockton community shows our students and their futures,” said Dan Nugent, executive director of the Stockton Foundation. “This event is meant to honor that generosity and invites our philanthropic partners to experience the campus and meet the students they help support.”

✨🎫 Faculty, Staff Discount Available

To show appreciation for the difference the Stockton community makes, a special faculty and staff ticket price is available. Purchase tickets for $200 by selecting “Faculty/Staff” or “Faculty/Staff Friend.”

SPOTLIGHT ON: GINA MAGUIRE

For Gina Maguire, teaching gerontology goes beyond coursework. It’s about connection.

She has been teaching at Stockton since 2012, creating opportunities for students to engage directly with older adults and challenge assumptions about aging. Through that work, she has helped foster meaningful intergenerational understanding.

Her efforts earned her the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education’s Part-Time/Adjunct Faculty Honor, recognizing both her teaching and her impact in the field.

FRAME-WORTHY

High Schoolers Get Hands-on Look at Business School

The Stockton School of Business held its second annual High School Business Day on March 18 featuring a day of hands-on activities for students from Winslow Township, Southern Regional and Barnegat high schools.

The students participated in a series of experiences ranging from a Finance Hub to an activity with Stockton’s esports team introducing them to the university’s Bachelor of Science in Esports Management program. The visiting students also had an opportunity to meet with Stockton faculty and undergraduates to discuss the 10 degree programs the School of Business offers.

“High School Business Day gives students a meaningful glimpse into the opportunities that a business education can provide,” said William Minnis, interim dean of the School of Business.

“By connecting with our faculty and students, these future leaders can begin to see how their interests translate into real-world impact. We’re proud to welcome them to campus and help spark that sense of possibility.”

📸View more photos on Flickr.

WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU

Instagram (stocktonalumni): We had a fantastic time meeting with Ospreys across the Sunshine State in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Orlando, The Villages and Jacksonville!

Instagram: Happy first day of spring, Ospreys! The trails are alive with the sounds of wood frogs calling and blackbirds singing. 🐸 (Speaking of wood frogs, check out today's Fun Fact featured below 👇 for a reason why they are especially excited for warmer temps!)

FROM THE SIDELINES

Styer, Fogg Earn All-America Honors at NCAA Championships

The indoor track and field teams earned All-America honors at the NCAA Division III Championships, highlighted by standout performances from Elaina Styer and Ahmad Fogg.

Styer earned First Team All-America honors with a second-place finish out of 20 competitors in the pentathlon. She also broke two of her own school records, compiling 3,765 points to surpass her previous mark of 3,747, set Feb. 21, which ranked as the best in the nation during the regular season. She also lowered her 60-meter hurdles time from 8.82 seconds to 8.67 seconds.

On the men’s side, Fogg registered a distance of 14.27 meters on the second of his three attempts for 10th place out of 19 competitors. By finishing between ninth and 16th, he qualified for a Second Team All-America nod one day after earning a First Team All-America award in the long jump.

The pair’s performances capped a strong showing for Stockton on the national stage against top Division III competition.

McNally Selected for NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

Stockton graduate student Amanda McNally was selected as one of 42 fall sport student-athletes to receive an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. McNally competed in cross country and track & field for Stockton during the 2024-25 academic year.

She was selected from the applicant pool based on a combination of academic and athletic success at Stockton. She will receive a one-time award of $10,000, to support her graduate studies as she pursues a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Stockton.

McNally joined former track & field teammate Michaela Pomatto as NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients from Stockton. Pomatto was chosen for the grant last year.

NJAC Adds Men’s Lacrosse; Stockton Among Programs

The New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) announced on March 18 that Centenary College in Louisiana and Colorado College will join the conference as affiliate members in the sport of men's lacrosse beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

The NJAC will sponsor men’s lacrosse as a conference championship sport for the first time in 2026–27. The league will include six programs: Kean University, Montclair State University, Stockton and SUNY New Paltz, along with affiliates Centenary and Colorado College.

With six sponsoring institutions, the NJAC will be on track to secure an automatic qualification to the NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse Championship Tournament beginning in 2028, following a one-year waiting period required by NCAA legislation.

NJAC men’s lacrosse will include two divisions: a three-team Gold Division and a three-team Blue Division. Centenary and Colorado College will remain in the Gold Division, while the third Gold Division team will rotate among NJAC core member programs on a two-year basis.

🦅 For more athletics news and upcoming game information, visit here.🦅

OSPREY NOTES

Students, Alumni Represent University at National Conference

At the National Council for Black Studies (NCBS) 50th Annual Conference in March, Stockton students, graduates and faculty participated in academic sessions and presented research on topics including racial climate in higher education, Black maternal health equity and systemic racism.

Student presenters includedKiana Bryan, Rachel Dunlap, My’air Henry, Adrianna Schofield, Jalynne Smith and Steven Vallery Jr. Bryan’s research was completed with Nordia Scott, assistant professor of Psychology.

Notably, four participants, Henry, Vallery Jr., Lillian Nickens ’24 and Smith, were inducted into the Ankh Maat Wedjau Honor Society during the conference.

December graduate Krisandra Bagaloo and student Tyrell Lewisalso attended the conference.

Faculty members Donnetrice Allison, professor of Africana Studies and Communication Studies; Kimoni Yaw Ajani, assistant professor of African Studies, and Trina Gipson-Jones, associate professor of Health Science, attended in support of the group.

FAFSA Completion Appointments Available

Do your students need assistance completing their 26-27 FAFSA? The Office of Financial Aid is hosting several FAFSA Completion Appointments throughout the spring semester to assist students in completing their application for financial aid.

Appointments are available at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon on March 31 and April 14. Additional appointments are offered at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on April 9. Evening appointments will be held at 6 p.m. on April 1.

Students and their FAFSA contributors are encouraged to attend ahead of the state’s April 15 deadline. Appointments can be scheduled at stockton.edu/contactfinaid through Ospreys Navigate using goStockton portal login credentials.

Students Encouraged to Apply Early for 2026–27 Financial Aid

It’s that time of year again! Please encourage your students to apply for 2026-27 financial aid as soon as possible. Filing early ensures students don’t miss deadlines, receive their aid offer early and have plenty of time to complete requirements before the fall bill due date.

Anyone who received TAG or the Stockton Promise in the 25-26 academic year must complete their 26-27 FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application by April 15, 2026, to be considered for those funds in 26-27. Please remind your students to file asap or they could miss out on thousands of dollars in free money!

Students can learn more and get started at stockton.edu/fafsa.

🐸 Fun Fact Friday: Frogsicles: Yes, it’s a real thing. Some frogs freeze solid during winter, then thaw out in spring and hop away like nothing happened. You might start hearing them again around Lake Fred as the weather warms.

👉 How wood frogs survive being frozen