Entrepreneur and philanthropist John F. Scarpa pledged $8 million to the Stockton University Foundation in December 2019. It is the largest gift in the University’s history.

The gift from The John F. Scarpa Foundation, courtesy of John and Jana Scarpa, will target two primary initiatives, Stockton’s expansion of academic programs in Atlantic City and the Health Sciences program at the mainland campus, and create an unrestricted fund for other University needs.

In appreciation of this landmark generosity, Stockton has named two buildings in his honor: the John F. Scarpa Academic Center at Stockton Atlantic City and the John F. Scarpa Health Sciences Center on the Galloway campus.

“This is a monumental day for Stockton. As we plan for our 50th anniversary next year, the tremendous generosity and partnership with John F. Scarpa will allow Stockton to continue to grow and provide new opportunities for our faculty and students,” Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said. “As a public university, we strive to provide both quality and affordability, and it is through the generous support of donors like John F. Scarpa that we are able to achieve those goals.”

“The two buildings being named for John F. Scarpa opened in 2018 as part of Stockton’s Academic Quad project and new expansion into Atlantic City,” Daniel Nugent, executive director of the Stockton Foundation and chief development officer, said. “They represent the growth and vision of Stockton and we are proud that John F. Scarpa will now be linked to the development of that vision.”

Scarpa said he has followed Stockton’s progress since it opened.

“Right after it was built, I would drive by when I was traveling around New Jersey growing cable TV systems,” he said. “I knew Magda Leuchter from Vineland, who was on the first Stockton Board of Trustees, and I’m friends with Michael Azeez.”

“Over the years I learned more about Stockton’s programs and how meaningful Stockton has become as a force for education in South Jersey,” Scarpa said. “I want to see more young men and women grow up to attend Stockton.”

John F. Scarpa Health Sciences Center

The John F. Scarpa Health Sciences Center is part of the Academic Quad on Stockton's Galloway campus.

Opened in 2018, the building hosts a state-of-the-art simulation suite that offers simulated clinical experiences to students majoring in health-related disciplines.

The University's Exercise Science program has a specialized lab space in the building, providing students with hands-on experience with equipment they'll use in their careers.

The third floor is dedicated to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, allowing all classes to be in the same building. The space allowed the program to expand to 34 students.

The first floor includes the Sustainability lab. The lab space, with roll up doors and high ceilings allows students to work with more equipment and design more in-depth projects and research.

John F. Scarpa Academic Center

The John F. Scarpa Academic Center opened in Fall 2018 as part of Stockton University Atlantic City.

Located at the intersection of Albany, Atlantic and Pacific Avenues in the Chelsea neighborhood of the city, the Academic Center is home to 14 classrooms and computer labs, 17 faculty offices and the Fannie Lou Hamer Event Room.

Hundreds of courses across all disciplines are offered at the site, which is just steps from the Boardwalk and just a quick shuttle ride away from the Galloway campus.

Featured programs at Stockton Atlantic City include Hospitality, Tourism & Event Management Studies, Social Work, Community Leadership & Civic Engagement, and the doctorate in Organizational Leadership.