Stockton News - March 21, 2025 - University Relations & Marketing

Stockton News - March 21, 2025

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

Professor Concerned about Fire Threat in ‘Super Dry’ Pinelands

A beautiful blue, sun-drenched sky greeted Stockton studentsKayla Mathes and Harry Dallmer as they began their spring break with a research hike into the Pine Barrens with professor Matthew Olson.

“I mean frolicking in the woods is like the life goal, so this is actually pretty great for me,” said Mathes, an Environmental Studies major from Warminster, Pennsylvania.

The warm, spring-like temperatures and gusty winds felt more like mid-May instead of mid-March. But as the brush crunched under his boots, Olson knew the scene wasn’t as idyllic as it seemed — especially for someone who studies how fire affects forests.

“It’s just been so dry,” said the Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies. “As we head into peak wildfire season, the drought is the most obvious when you drive by our lower-lying wetland areas. Usually, there’s some ponding and water about the soil surface this time of year. You just do not see that right now.”

Foundation Gala Returns to Campus After 20 Years

After two decades at off-campus venues, Stockton’s premier fundraising event is coming home in 2025.

The Stockton University Foundation Scholarship Benefit Gala will be held at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26, in the heart of the Galloway campus at the University’s Campus Center — bringing a new level of excitement and impact.

“This is more than a gala, it’s a homecoming,” said President Joe Bertolino. “Returning to campus is a powerful way to honor Stockton’s history, invest in the next generation of students and highlight the beauty and spirit of our university.”

Since its inception, the Benefit Gala has raised more than $5 million to support scholarships for Stockton students. The Benefit Gala Endowed Scholarship Fund provides essential financial support for Stockton students, ensuring that future generations have access to a transformative education.

Through April 4: A special faculty and staff ticket price is being offered! Get your tickets for $175 with code FACULTYSTAFF at checkout.

FRAME-WORTHY

Wellness Day Connects Students with Resources, Education

Amidst a dreary and rainy Thursday afternoon, a ray of light shone in the Campus Center Event Room as hundreds of Stockton students enjoyed a day of relaxation and education at the annual Wellness Day fair on March 20.

Wellness Day is a program sponsored by the University’s Wellness Center that encourages students, faculty and staff to get connected to mental and physical health resources both on and off campus. Among the more than 60 vendors were organizations such as the Mental Health Association of New Jersey, Atlantic Prevention Resources, Tobacco Free New Jersey, Southern Jersey Family Medical Center and Planned Parenthood.

In addition to resources, students had the opportunity to participate in activities focused on this year’s theme of rest and relaxation. Activities included guided yoga, massages and meditation. When students weren’t chatting among themselves or participating in the activities, they perused the tables and received both free information and gifts.

“I thought the fair was a lot of fun with a lot of interesting stands and cool freebies, especially the Henna tattoos. The line was pretty long, but it went really fast,” said Marine Biology major Ozzie Southall, of Pennington. “I remember they held something like this during finals to destress last year. I really like these events.”

📸 See more photos on flickr

WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU

Instagram: This week, @OspreyPrez was in Florida meeting with alumni and friends, sharing University updates and listening to Stockton stories.

Instagram: If the sun is outside so are we ☀️🙂‍↔️🪑

Facebook: Happy first day of spring, Ospreys!

Your favorite lake's online... have you given @lakefred1969 a follow yet? 👀

FROM THE SIDELINES

Kass Finishes Sixth & Earns Third All-America Nod

Junior Kayla Kass became an All-American for the third time in her career by finishing sixth in the final of the 800-meter run at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships. Kass qualified as a USTFCCCA First Team All-American by finishing in the top eight.

Kass broke her own school record with a time of 2:10.71. The junior sat in sixth place through the first 400 meters but dropped to eighth at the 600-meter mark. Kass then moved back into sixth by running the last 200 meters in 34.44 seconds, which was the third fastest final lap out of eight runners in the race.

The sixth-place finish tied the best ever by a Stockton female in a track event at the NCAA Championships. Alicia Belko (3000m steeplechase) and Cassandra Hrusko (1500m) each finished sixth in their event at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Kass qualified for All-American status for the third time in her career (2024-25 indoor 800m, 2024 outdoor 800m), becoming the fourth Osprey female ever to earn at least three All-American honors in track & field and first to do so in running events.

Stockton Edges Eastern 14-12

The men’s lacrosse team snapped a 10-10 tie in the fourth quarter with three straight goals and went on to a 14-12 victory over Eastern University on March 19. Freshman Josh Graham led the Ospreys with a career-high six points.

Graham's total came on four goals and two assists, both of which were career highs. The freshman scored three of his markers in the fourth quarter. Riley Burns notched career highs with three goals and four points.

Jack Vandegrift contributed two goals and an assist. Mike Cuzzola won nine of 18 faceoffs and scooped a team-high five ground balls.

Stockton raced out to a 6-1 lead behind two goals by Burns and a goal and assist by Graham. Goalkeeper Ben Blum dashed down the middle of the field and fired home a rare goalie goal during the fast start for the Ospreys.

Stockton will play a road game at Messiah University at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 22.

Matthews-Spratley Named All-ECAC First Team

Junior EJ Matthews-Spratleyadded another honor to his impressive collection as he was named All-ECAC First Team by the Eastern College Athletic Conference. The guard led Stockton to a 19-9 overall record and an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament.

The Eastern College Athletic Conference is an eighty-six-year-old organization with well over 200 member schools across all three NCAA Divisions. The ECAC exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes by sponsoring championships, tournaments and postseason honors for institutions throughout the Northeast.

Matthews-Spratley added the All-ECAC recognition to a list of accolades that consists of NABC District 4 Second Team, D3hoops.com All-Region 4 Second Team, NJAC First Team and two NJAC Player of the Week awards.

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

STOCKTON SITES & CENTERS

Kramer Hall Hosts Open House to Showcase DSSA Program

Stockton's Kramer Hall in Hammonton hosted a successful open house on March 6, for its Master of Science in Data Science & Strategic Analytics (DSSA) program. The event provided prospective students with an in-depth look into the program's offerings and the state-of-the-art facilities at Kramer Hall.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet with faculty and current students, who showcased some of their ongoing research projects and were available to answer questions about the program. Guests also enjoyed light refreshments while connecting with faculty and Graduate Admissions staff to learn more about the program and the application process.

The open house featured engaging presentations from DSSA faculty, detailing the program's curriculum, admission criteria, and the diverse career paths available to graduates. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour Kramer Hall's modern facilities and network with alumni.

OSPREY NOTES

Share Your Thoughts on Campus Culture March 21, 27

You’re invited to two important conversations about People & Campus Culture as part of our Strategic Planning efforts to help shape the future of our campus community.

Share your thoughts with the People & Campus Culture Working Group on key topics such as professional development, personal relationships, a supportive campus climate and fostering inclusivity:

Join today’s (March 21) Strategic Planning Zoom Webinar from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Attend a Coffee Chat for Faculty, Staff and Students 12:30-2:30 p.m., March 27, at the Campus Center Coffeehouse by Dunkin.

Reminder: Complete the Faculty & Staff Climate Survey by April 4

Don’t forget to complete the Great Colleges to Work For survey before the April 4 deadline. Your feedback helps Stockton improve workplace culture, communication and management.

The survey is completely confidential and administered by ModernThink LLC to ensure anonymity. You should have received an email from surveys@modernthink.net with participation details. You will continue to receive regular reminders throughout the period until you complete the survey.

Your voice matters—higher response rates lead to meaningful insights. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. Approximately six weeks following the close of the survey, Stockton will receive reports that summarize the organizational competencies and relationships that most directly impact and influence our culture.

For questions, email Craig Bickley at craig.bickley@stockton.edu.

Faculty, Staff Discount for Gala Available through April 4

The Scholarship Benefit Gala is coming home, being held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, in the Campus Center. Join colleagues and community members for an unforgettable evening of gourmet food, live music, dancing and entertainment.

To show our appreciation for the difference you make at Stockton every day—we’re offering a special faculty and staff ticket price. Get your tickets for $175 with code FACULTYSTAFF at checkout through April 4.

2025-26 FAFSA is Available Now

Attention faculty & staff! The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available now at fafsa.gov! We ask that you please encourage your students and their families to not only complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA by the below deadlines, but also utilize the resources and helpful information listed at stockton.edu/fafsa before they complete the application.

March 1 is the priority date for students to complete the FAFSA to be considered for aid programs with limited funding for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.

April 15 is the deadline for students who received the State Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and/or the Stockton Promise in the 2024-25 academic year to complete the 2025-26 FAFSA at fafsa.gov or NJ Alternative Application for Financial Aid (NJ Dreamers only) at hesaa.org to be considered for state aid as well as the Stockton Promise in the 2025-26 academic year. Students who miss this deadline could miss out on thousands of dollars in grant funding!

Any student or family member who needs assistance completing their section of the FAFSA is invited to attend an evening FAFSA Completion event hosted by the Office of Financial Aid on Tuesday, March 25! Students and their family members will receive in-person assistance in completing their sections of the FAFSA during this event. Register for March 25 here!

One-on-one FAFSA Completion Appointments are also available every Wednesday and Friday in March and April. Students can register at stockton.edu/contactfinaid.

Please feel free to share the information on how to register. We want to assist as many students as possible.

Fun Fact Friday: 🌼💐 National Flower Day is celebrated annually on March 21st as a day to appreciate the beauty and significance of flowers. While the exact origins of the holiday are unclear, it is believed to have been established to encourage people to embrace nature and the positive emotions flowers bring, timed around the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. This timing symbolizes renewal, growth and the blooming of flowers. National Flower Day has gained popularity as a day to appreciate flowers by planting, gifting, or simply enjoying their presence in nature.