Galloway, N.J. – Mary Lou Galantino’s first international travel experience came as an undergraduate physical therapy student at the University of Pittsburgh in 1979.

“It just took one trip to Comitan Chiapas, Mexico, to cultivate my absolute love of traveling and contributing to underserved communities,” said Galantino, distinguished professor of Physical Therapy and program coordinator for the Integrative Health minor at Stockton University.

That first study tour led to continued study abroad and a clinical rotation in Sweden, with other amazing opportunities and international travel. After joining Stockton in 1991, she turned the tables and later led and participated in service-learning trips to Haiti, China and Colombia with Stockton students. Two Fulbright fellowships and ongoing research, education and service brought her to South Africa six times.

Galantino said as a first-generation student at the University of Pittsburgh, Latin American and Scandinavian scholarships were essential to her study abroad experiences.

“I want everyone to appreciate that traveling opens our eyes to the beauty of humanity, yet great disparity across various cultures and communities. It takes one to their knees to see the richness of resources we have, both in our communities and at Stockton, and yet experience impoverished regions of the world that require our contribution,” she said. “We depart with a greater appreciation of various cultures and personal growth.”

This led her to establish the Galantino Global Grant with a $25,000 commitment to the Stockton Foundation. Future stipends will be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in fields within health sciences to support opportunities to study abroad.

She wishes to make these same experiences more available to students studying in the health sciences so they may cultivate a love of global health awareness and develop a deeper appreciation for their own capacity to serve their country and diverse communities.

“We serve students primarily from working class families. We should not underestimate the power of giving, and the impact your gift will have on students and the opportunities they provide,” President Joe Bertolino said to Galantino at the announcement of her commitment. “Students will travel and come back and share their stories as part of their Stockton experience.”

The Stockton University Foundation scholarship program is supported by Stockton alumni, faculty, staff, parents and community members. Gifts are welcomed to honor loved ones, build existing scholarships or create new opportunities. For more information, contact the Stockton University Foundation at (609) 626-3546 or stockton.edu/foundation.

--Story and photos by Stacey Clapp