Stockton Employees Drive Change in FY '19
Giving Tuesday serves as a powerful example of the profound ripple effect that one simple idea or act of kindness can have on a person or community. It began in 2012 as an idea – to encourage people to do good. Now, seven years later, the idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
For four Stockton University employees, their acts of giving also began with one idea, experience, or person, and on this Giving Tuesday, we’re celebrating the act of giving by sharing their stories.
Report of Impact 2019
In addition to these four employees who are driving change, there are many others in our community who have supported Stockton and its students. Their generosity has and continues to create opportunities and experiences for students. Learn more in the Report of Impact.
A New Passion Inspires Transformative Course at Stockton
Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies Noel Criscione-Naylor's passion and love for farming began when she and her husband spotted an injured goose on the side of the road. Both avid animal lovers, they took the goose to a local rescue only to find it would be euthanized.
“My husband picked up the goose and said, ‘Absolutely not, we’re taking it home,’ and that was our first animal and really where it all began,” recalls Criscione-Naylor.
Criscione-Naylor and her husband went from rescuing one goose to running a local farm filled with animals and plans to start a small dairy farm.
An Extraordinary Life Leads to New Scholarship
Lillian E. Waters lived by the mantra “enter to learn; depart to serve” – one she adapted while attending Bethune-Cookman University.
“Mom would take us on campus when she would go to school [at Bethune-Cookman],” said Lolita Treadwell, former deputy chief of staff at Stockton and daughter of Waters, as she recalled her summers in Daytona Beach, Florida. “She loved everything to do with education; it was instilled in her at a very young age.”
Waters’ enthusiasm for education carried through her years of service in the Atlantic City Public School System and the Juvenile Bureau of the Atlantic City Police Department where she became a strong advocate for the children of Atlantic City.
Learn more about Lolita's story
Stockton Professional Staff Member Pays it Forward for Students
In 2009, Dennis Fotia, assistant director of the Center for Learning Design, was promoted to a new position at Stockton, building on his already well-rounded career in higher education. A year later, he had the opportunity to teach a college-level course.
“I remember having a reflective moment where I felt fortunate and blessed to have a great job and now this opportunity to teach,” recalled Fotia. “And I realized that it truly was because my mom stressed the importance of education at a very young age.”
Learn more about Dennis' story
Dean Creates Opportunities for Studying Abroad
Lisa Honaker, dean of the School of Arts & Humanities, was in her early 20s when she traveled abroad. It was then she learned the impact that travel can have on someone.
In her role as Dean, Honaker has been involved in programs that took ARHU students abroad, even traveling with them to places like Cyprus and Greece.
“I saw firsthand the impact travel had on students,” said Honaker. “It’s changed their lives and at times, changed their focus, empowering them to do things they’ve never thought of doing before.”
