Galloway, N.J.  - Five hundred guests danced the night away in support of the Stockton University Foundation’s Scholarship Benefit Gala at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Saturday, May 14, which raised more than $425,000.

Net proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s Benefit Gala Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provided more than $150,000 in scholarships to 160 students this academic year. The endowment has grown to more than $5 million since 2007.

“The unwavering support and generosity of our sponsors and supporters provides countless students from the region and beyond the ability to pursue the dream of a college education with less financial burden,” said Donna Buzby, chair of the Stockton University Foundation Board of Directors.

Stockton donors, alumni and current and former scholarship recipients in attendance enjoyed several unique touches highlighting Stockton’s rich history and academic programs, including menu items featuring produce from the university’s Sustainability Farm and maple syrup from campus trees, student research projects and displays celebrating Stockton's 50^th anniversary of teaching this year.

The Symphony Gold Jazz Trio and Stockapella, Stockton’s student a capella group, kicked off the evening’s entertainment. Joe Lupo, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, introduced the night’s headline act LIVE AND LET DIE – the Music of Paul McCartney - featuring Tony Kishman, and DJ Ahmed Kahn kept guests dancing well into the evening as the night’s closing performer.

“We are very proud to once again partner with Stockton University to host and sponsor this tremendous event,” said Joe Lupo, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “It is an honor to give back to our community and to show our support for education and the Stockton students.” 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City signed on to be the event’s top sponsor, while longtime gala partner International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351 and the Stockton University Foundation Board of Directors served as Platinum Record sponsors.
Other top sponsors included: Azeez Foundation; Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law; Dr. Howard and L. Gayle Gross; SOSH Architects; Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa; Capaldi Reynolds & Pelosi CPAs, P.A.; Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters & Local 255; Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.; Pepsi; Resorts Casino Hotel; Tito's Handmade Vodka.

The Scholarship Benefit Gala will return to Hard Rock on April 22, 2023.