C olumbia blue, black and white were the prominent colors in the crowd gathered in the Campus Center Event Room on April 12, but they weren’t the only ones. Queens College red, Southern Connecticut Reflex blue, Brooklyn College maroon, Vermont State University cyan, YMCA of the Pines green and more speckled the audience of nearly 750 faculty, staff, alumni, students and friends.

The Inauguration ceremony to formally install Joe Bertolino as Stockton’s sixth president was a celebration of the University, its history and its future. But the event also celebrated Bertolino’s journey, all those who played a role in getting him to his third college presidency, and those present to offer words of encouragement or advice.

The collection of colors and faces provided a visual depiction of the event’s theme and Bertolino’s vision for Stockton: Building a Community of Opportunity.

“To see individuals from every stage of my life here today is overwhelming and humbling. I am a product of my upbringing and the opportunities I’ve been afforded along the way. I honor those relationships by continuing to pay it forward,” Bertolino said.

“Today, I am charging all of you, all who are part of Stockton, to do the same for someone else. By building a community of opportunity, we provide the space and resources that enable our students, faculty and staff to grow, thrive and be a part of something bigger. No opportunity is too small, and no opportunity is too large. When we do certain things, or build certain relationships, we may be providing others with opportunities that we don’t even realize,” he said.

The celebration began with the Osprey Parade led by the Absegami Drum Line and featured alumni representatives from all of Stockton’s 53 years.

“There have only been a handful of presidents at Stockton in 50 years, so it’s a big deal to have a change in leadership and I wanted to be part of Stockton history while representing the class of ’99,” said Brian Nelson of his decision to be part of the celebration. “Also, my oldest daughter had just decided to enroll at Stockton, so it took on an increased importance for me personally.”

Bertolino has brought to Stockton the value of Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person, which he has carried through his professional career since graduating from University of Scranton, a Jesuit institution.

“We have a responsibility to support one another, to treat each other with kindness, respect, dignity, compassion and civility, to reach out and listen to one another. As an institution of higher education, Stockton wields tremendous power in transforming lives,” he said.

Kristina Carr ’96, who also participated in the Osprey Parade, understands that power.

“I came to Stockton because it was close to home, I stayed because of the professors,” she shared. “As a student working a full-time job most of my tenure, my professors were very understanding of my work schedule. There was rarely a time that a professor was not available to revisit a concept if I missed class or was foggy headed during class after working the midnight shift.”

Bertolino’s address to the crowd underscored the potential impact one can have on another.

“Take those opportunities when they’re presented. Say yes, even if you’re scared or intimidated. If a mentor, a friend, a professor or colleague says you’ve got what it takes, they’re probably right. Lean on this community to seize your opportunities,” he said.

Nelson agrees. His advice to other Ospreys is to stay focused on your goals but remain open to the possibilities that may happen.

“Have goals to pursue so you have a direction to take but remain flexible as you never know what opportunities may arise that may not take you down the path you intended,” the alumnus shared. Like President Joe, “I owe my success to many others who have supported me over the years, so I would suggest that you find mentors whether its someone you work with, a family member, or an acquaintance to talk to about job decisions, career development and life in general.”

President Joe began his address by singing "What a Wonderful World" with the Stockton Music Union. Other performances during the Inauguration included: Student Classical Ensemble, Stockton Dance Company, Stockton Student Chorus, Stockton All-Starz Dance Team, Stockton Cheer Team, Joseph Sramaty ’15 and Keldy Penarda ’24. Student groups also performed during Prez Fest, the after-party scattered throughout the Campus Center.

Delegates from 40 higher education institutions in New Jersey and beyond were represented, adding to the rainbow of colors in the crowd. President emeriti Harvey Kesselman (2015-2023) and Herman J. Saatkamp Jr. (2003-2015) and the family of Vera King Farris (1983-2003) attended.

Speakers included New Jersey State Sen. Vince Polistina; New Jersey State Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald; Dwayne Smith, interim president of Southern Connecticut State University; Hiran Kangaraarachchi, a former student of President Joe’s at Queens College; Richard Helldobler, president of William Paterson University and representing the NJ President’s Council and NJ Association of State Colleges and Universities; Jonathan Vazcones, a former student at Queens College; Randall Clarke, President Joe’s former teaching assistant; and Nelida Valentin ’86, chair of the Stockton Board of Trustees.

Dr. Terricita Sass, executive vice president and chief of staff, and Dr. Bil Leipold, vice chancellor for Enrollment Services at Rutgers-University Newark and Bertolino’s husband of more than 30 years, served as the event’s masters of ceremony.