Atlantic City, N.J. – The Stockton University Foundation held its annual Scholarship Benefit Gala, bringing together more than 500 Stockton alumni, students, faculty and community members to raise funds to support student scholarships.

The April 20 event was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the event’s top sponsor for a third year. It raised nearly $400,000 to support the Stockton Foundation’s Scholarship Benefit endowment, which now totals more than $5 million.   

Laura Leonel, a first-year student and scholarship recipient from Long Branch, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This was an amazing opportunity to interact with donors as a scholarship recipient. The gala is something not every student gets to attend, and I felt honored to be there. I am so grateful for the scholarship and all the opportunities it has provided.”

Stockton’s students and faculty showcased their talents at a variety of interactive exhibits. Guests participated in painting a mural of Stockton’s Lake Fred with the Noyes Museum, sampled Stockton maple syrup, played Mario Kart with the esports team, made sherbet with help from Physics students, enjoyed port wine tasting and dessert pairings with Hospitality and Tourism students, and experienced a glimpse into Stockton's farming practices with representatives from the Sustainability Farm. 

Stockton President Joe Bertolino thanked guests for their continued investment in Stockton. “It is inspiring to see our community come together to support the future of education. This gala not only celebrates academic achievement but fosters a sense of belonging for the students who benefit from your generosity.” 

The annual gala also served as a platform for furthering meaningful connections and networking opportunities, underscored by live music from Philly’s Finest, raffles, a putting contest and a variety of food and decor representing Stockton’s presence in the Pinelands and on the beach.  

The gala's success was made possible through the generous contributions of sponsors, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 351, the Azeez Foundation and Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law.

Other sponsors include: SOSH Architects, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Local 255, Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc., Pepsi, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more.  

To support student scholarships and learn more about the Stockton University Foundation, visit stockton.edu/foundation.