Allison Gainer ’16 

Dr. Allison Gainer (Ed.D., LAC, NCC) is a proud graduate of Stockton University’s class of 2016 and a higher education professional, licensed counselor and scholar-practitioner committed to advancing accessibility, equity and inclusion. 

She currently serves at Rowan University as an assistant director and adjunct psychology instructor, where she supports student success and develops inclusive, student-centered initiatives for diverse and non-traditional learners.

Dr. Gainer’s work is deeply rooted in community impact, advocacy and systemic change. Her doctoral research focuses on service animal policy, participatory action research (PAR) and disability inclusion in higher education, with an emphasis on transforming institutional policy into meaningful practice within hands-on learning environments.

Beyond her professional role, she serves as a Regional Board Member for Dogs for Better Lives, contributing to the advancement of service dog accessibility and community engagement. She is also a National Gymnastics Association (NGA) judging official, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to mentorship, discipline and community involvement.

In recognition of her dedication to social justice and advocacy, Dr. Gainer was named a 2023 Rover Porter Grant Winner for AFT Members and received Rowan University’s Senate Excellence in Diversity Award (2025). She is also the author of Invisible Leashes: Disability, Disclosure, and Advocacy in Higher Education Spaces, a work that bridges lived experience, research, and policy to challenge ableism and promote authentic inclusion.

Through her professional achievements, community service, and volunteerism, Dr. Gainer exemplifies the mission and values of Stockton University and continues to make a meaningful impact within higher education and beyond. 

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Pam Cross ‘81

Pam Cross graduated from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1981. 

While at Stockton, she lived in B-court and has maintained friendships with that whole gang ever since. 

After earning a master’s degree in English and the teaching of writing from Georgetown University, Cross returned to Stockton and took over as coordinator of the Writing Center. She had a wonderful 35-year run in that position: training tutors and teaching first-year students. Pam especially loved teaching in the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Summer Program. She also served as co-chair of the Scholarship Selection Committee and actually continues to serve even in retirement. 

As for personal life, Cross is still married to her first husband, Greg, and together they have one adult son, Andy, and two mixed-breed female dogs. These days, Cross has taken on a new role as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) working with children in New Jersey’s foster care system. It’s rewarding work, and she would love to tell you all about it if you ask. 

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John Cash, Jr. ’91 

John Cash, Jr. serves as an esteemed educator at Dwight Morrow High School, where he specializes in instructing a diverse array of subjects, including social studies, computer science, and students with disabilities. 

Notably, during his tenure, he assumed the role of program manager for the Information Systems Academy, fostering innovation and excellence within the academic community. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in establishing the high school’s chapter of the Computer Science Honor Society, further enriching the educational landscape.

Furthermore, Cash has spearheaded cultural initiatives such as the annual African-American History Month Film Festival and the establishment of the Film & Media Club, underscoring his dedication to fostering a holistic learning environment.

Cash pursued his undergraduate studies at Howard University before transferring to Stockton University, where he attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Upon graduation, he commenced his professional journey by serving as a counselor and teaching assistant on campus. Furthermore, he pursued advanced education, earning a Master of Arts degree in Art History from the esteemed City College of New York, thereby enhancing his academic foundation and expertise in the field.

Currently, Cash is dedicated to his doctoral studies at Rutgers University, a testament to his commitment to scholarly advancement and academic excellence. 

Though he regards Atlantic City as his hometown, he and his wife have made their residence in Manhattan. His interests span various domains, including travel, art, golf, alpine skiing and his affiliation with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, an association he joined during his time at Stockton University.

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Bonnie Eckstein-Medvetz ’02

Bonnie Eckstein-Medvetz is a 2002 graduate of the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey—now Stockton University—where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

During her time on campus, she was an active member of several club sports teams, served as a residential assistant and supported the women’s volleyball program by managing game statistics. Her academic foundation at Stockton proved pivotal early in her career; her degree and coursework directly secured her first professional opportunity, setting the stage for what has become a highly successful career in talent acquisition.

Today, Eckstein-Medvetz serves as senior manager of talent acquisition for Albertsons Companies, where she leads retail strategy, technology, enablement and TA operations. She is also a proud living kidney donor, recently celebrating her second year post donation.

Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, going to concerts and sporting events with her blended family of nine children and her husband, Ken.

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Julio Morgan Gillis ’04

Julio Morgan Gillis is a proud son of Asbury Park, a Stockton University alumnus, a second-generation McDonald's Owner/Operator and a leader whose life's work has been shaped by resilience, service, education, family and community impact.

Morgan Gillis earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Information Systems from Stockton University, formerly The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and later earned his Master of Business Administration from Eastern University. His time at Stockton was foundational to his growth as a leader. As a student, he served as Student Senate vice president, Greek Council president as the National Pan-Hellenic Council representative, and community advisor for Residential Life.

Morgan Gillis also pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. while at Stockton and became a charter member of the Beta Beta Delta Chapter. His commitment to brotherhood, service and leadership continued beyond graduation, as he served in several leadership roles within the fraternity, including state director for New Jersey.

After graduating from Stockton, he began his professional career with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Casino Control Commission, where he conducted information technology security reviews in an industry that generated more than $5 billion in gaming revenue. While that experience sharpened his technical and analytical skills, his long-term calling brought him back to the McDonald's brand and the family business that had helped shape his life.

As chief operating officer of the Gillis Organization, he leads the company's strategic direction, including sales growth, guest count growth, profitability, reinvestment, leadership development and culture. His leadership is grounded in the belief that business should create opportunity, develop people, and strengthen the communities it serves.

Morgan Gillis's connection to Stockton remains deeply personal. In recognition of the role the university played in his life and leadership journey, he recently established the Julio A. Morgan '04 Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship was created to support full-time, first-generation undergraduate students in Stockton's School of Business with demonstrated financial need, with priority consideration for students from several New Jersey communities connected to Julio's life, leadership, and commitment to expanding opportunity.

Morgan Gillis is married to Larissa Morgan, director of health justice transformation at Penn Medicine, and is the proud father of Brielle and Saige. His story reflects the power of education, mentorship, chosen family, service and legacy. His continued commitment to building opportunity for others remains at the center of everything he does.

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Alexander Eckmeder ’25, MBA ’26

Throughout their time at Stockton, Alexander Eckmeder has held multiple leadership roles and positions.

Working in the Office of Student Development, they assisted over 200 clubs and on many signature events, such as the annual University Weekend and Weeks of Welcome. Eckmeder led the Hospitality Tourism & Event Society to site tours, restaurant tastings and connected students to industry opportunities. Through various positions in the Stockton Entertainment Team, they programmed, ran and oversaw over 150 events for students, including the annual Woodstockton concert in April. As a re-founding father of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, they served as the first Rituals and Traditions chair helping solidify the foundations of the organization.

Outside of Stockton, Eckmeder is currently involved with Meeting Professionals International, serving in a chair position, the Professional Convention Management Association, and the Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association, working to network and grow industry connections. They are also continuously involved in other outside opportunities, including nonprofits and associations, assisting with conference and event planning and execution, such as the Atlantic City Boys and Girls Club and the New Jersey Association for Justice.

Their passion for leadership, service and lifelong learning continues to shape both their professional journey and their commitment to the community.

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Ahnjeles Maldonado ‘26

Ahnjeles Maldonado is a recent graduate of Stockton University, having attained a B.S. in Health Science with a minor in Public Health.

She is a first-generation Latina working toward progress and growth in all walks of her life. Maldonado is continuing her education in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program offered here at Stockton, furthering her commitment to health, wellness and community impact.

As an undergraduate, she was heavily involved in student life, fraternity and sorority life, and within her Atlantic City community. She held multiple leadership roles following her revival of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., Zeta Chapter as a solo initiate in the Fall of 2023. She also served as Greek Council president, chairperson of the diversity & inclusion committee of Stockton Student Senate, president of the Greek honor society Order of Omega and often partnered with student organizations to provide one-on-one support in navigating campus procedures.

Maldonado has a long history with the GOALS Gear Up program, beginning as a student and returning as a student mentor for 7th and 11th-grade students. Locally, Maldonado has worked with Stockton’s Multicultural Center and the Atlantic City High School Teen Center to continue the conversation surrounding college access on a deeper level, especially coming from the perspectives and experiences of an alumnus. Similarly, she spends her days off serving as a substitute teaching assistant in Atlantic County, taking advantage of the opportunity to influence while working.

It is not by her own strength that she has been able to deliver, but by her faith that keeps her grounded and focused. Deeply rooted in family, Maldonado works with her family in mind as her source of motivation. All things considered, she encompasses resilience, adaptability and drive to enthusiastically accomplish whatever may lie ahead, and is surely destined to accomplish great things.

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Facilities and Operations

Stockton University Facilities and Operations is the recipient of this year’s Campus Partner Award in recognition of their outstanding support of alumni engagement and their unwavering partnership with the Division of University Advancement.

Behind every successful alumni event is a team working tirelessly behind the scenes, and Facilities and Operations has been an essential part of making our programs possible. From setting up and breaking down events, to retrieving materials from storage, to building custom pieces that help bring our ideas to life, their dedication, responsiveness, and creativity consistently go above and beyond.

Their partnership extends far beyond logistics. Facilities and Operations understands the importance of creating meaningful experiences for Stockton alumni and approaches every event with professionalism, care, and a true spirit of collaboration. Their work helps strengthen connections between alumni and the university, ensuring our events are welcoming, memorable, and successful.

We are proud to recognize Facilities and Operations not simply as campus partners, but as an extension of the University Advancement team. Their commitment to supporting Stockton alumni and enhancing our programs has made a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for all they do.