Stockton News - July 26, 2024
WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT
Live Work Learn Program Boost Students' Careers
One alarming statistic drives Amiesa Paasewe’s desire to work in a medical profession: Black women in the United States are nearly three times more likely to die during pregnancy or delivery than any other race.
“I want to advocate for not just Black women, but people of color and people in general who can’t speak up,” said the Health Science major from Trenton. “I just want to be an advocate for people in need, especially women. I want to be there to support mothers because a lot of mothers don’t get that support.”
The Stockton Atlantic City Summer Experience: Live Work Learn program has given the junior the opportunity to help fulfill her dream. She’s one of 256 Stockton University students in the program this summer, who have been hired by local companies, provided campus housing at Stockton Atlantic City and offered free online training to prepare for success in the workplace. Now in its third summer, the program has grown from the 130 students who participated two years ago.
This year, 18 employers — including casinos such as Bally’s Atlantic City and Ocean Casino Resort and nonprofits such as Mighty Writers and the Chelsea Economic Development Corporation — have partnered with Stockton in the program. That number is up from 15 companies last summer. The employers provide competitive wages and cover the students’ housing costs.
Four University-Produced Video Projects Win Telly Awards
Four video projects created by Stockton University’s Production Services and University Relations and Marketing departments were recognized at the 45th annual Telly Awards. The department received three silver awards and a bronze award.
“It’s always a wonderful honor to receive these awards,” said Mark Jackson, director of Production Services. “The ‘Undercover Osprey’ video was an especially fun project with a talented cast.”
The “Undercover Osprey” video was launched at the April 12 inauguration of new Stockton President Joe Bertolino. In the video, President Joe is put in the shoes of a Stockton student to give him a different perspective of the institution he has been tasked to lead. Under the guise of Preston Joseph, the new president got a new ID card, sampled campus cuisine and found a campus activity that spoke to him.
“President Joe wanted a nontraditional inauguration ceremony with a different twist on all the pomp and circumstance,” said Geoffrey Pettifer, associate vice president for University Relations and Marketing. “And we thought this take on the popular TV show ‘Undercover Boss’ was a fun and creative way to introduce him to the Stockton community.”
Read the Summer 2024 Issue of Stockton Now
In the heat of the summer, activities are ramping up on Stockton's campuses as we prepare for the new semester. Dive into the Summer 2024 issue of Stockton Now to check in with what's been happening here - like the inauguration of President Joe Bertolino - and with our alumni out in the community.
In this issue, you can learn more about the Inauguration event, as well as just a few of the amazing things our students, faculty, staff and alumni, like Sage Del Valle '20, Francisco Vizcaino-Martinez '20 and Jessica Ramirez '98, are up to now.
STOCKTON UNIVERSITY ATLANTIC CITY
Camp Jumpstarts Future Business, Entrepreneurial Careers
“So, who in here currently owns a stock?”
Only a couple of hands were hesitantly raised in the lecture room on the Stockton University Atlantic City campus among the group of 25 rising high school juniors and seniors.
Presenter Dylan Gutowski listened closely to the students’ answers – “I think I have stock in Starbucks!” and “I’m not sure what it’s called.” Soon, the quiet room filled with cheering and clapping as students played a virtual stock exchange game that simulated the high stakes and fast pace of trading in the stock market.
When the students from across New Jersey weren’t diversifying their stock portfolios, they were exploring the campus, learning the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship from local business leaders, and participating in a business plan competition through the weeklong Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (SEBA).
It was through SEBA that Gutowski of Rockland, New York, developed entrepreneurial savvy and relationship-building skills that landed him an internship with the camp just a year after winning the business plan competition.
The 16-year-old spread awareness of the academy at high schools throughout the state and spent the week supporting students in the business plan competition and sharing his own experiences.
“It's really cool to be able to help these students and kind of give back to a program that gave so much to me,” Gutowski said. “It's also a really diverse group; like, some people are building websites for their plans, and others are designing logos, or they're doing heavy research. There are so many different talents here, and a (successful) business needs the things that each person brings to the table. (SEBA) is a really cool team-building experience where you get to focus on using your talents for the bigger picture.”
📸View more photos on Flickr
SPOTLIGHT ON: HEATHER MEDINA
Named 2024 Nuestro Pueblo Education Award Honoree
Heather Medina, director of Admissions at Stockton, was named the Education Award Honoree for the 2024 Nuestro Pueblo Awards, hosted by the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County. This category is awarded to an individual at any level in the Atlantic County education system who has made a significant contribution to our community through their skills, leadership, or advocacy on educational issues. Honorees were celebrated at an award ceremony on July 18 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Medina said she felt both honored and humbled to be among 10 other hard-working professionals whose community involvement advances the Latino culture and heritage.
"An award like this is significant because it acknowledges the impact of individuals and organizations in advancing Latino culture and heritage. It serves as validation of the meaningful contributions made within the community, highlighting dedication and commitment," Medina shared. "For me and Stockton, receiving such recognition affirms our efforts in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and cultural awareness within the institution. It also enhances visibility and credibility, fostering further support for initiatives in Stockton striving to be a Hispanic serving institution."
Medina, who has been part of the Stockton community for over 25 years, offered a piece of advice that always inspired her: "There is a Spanish saying my mother always proclaimed ¡Pa'lante, Siempre Pa'lante No Patras! Always forward, never backward! For me, these words represent perseverance and determination, reminding me to always move forward despite challenges or setbacks. It's a great mantra for staying focused on goals and not letting obstacles deter you from fulfilling a greater purpose."
FRAME-WORTHY
High Schoolers Learn Leadership Skills on Campus
Impacting others on campus: ☀️ TORCH leadership academy, a four-day program for high school students, featured a variety of trust-building exercises and leadership simulations, aimed to inspire students to develop their skills and make a positive impact in their communities.
Several dedicated volunteers, who are Stockton alumni, played an integral role in the success of the program, highlighting their commitment to giving back to their community and mentoring the next generation of leaders. 📚
WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU
Instagram: We can't wait to see you back on campus 💙
Facebook: Wildflowers and native plantings on campus represent our connection to the Pinelands environment.
X: Happy #NationalInternDay, Ospreys. Persistence is one of the keys to landing your dream job, and an internship is a great place to start.
FROM THE SIDELINES
Capozzoli Voted CSC Academic All-America Third Team
Stockton senior Reegan Capozzoli was voted to the NCAA Division III Academic All-America Men's At-Large Third Team by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). Capozzoli, a member of the Stockton men's lacrosse team, graduated from Stockton in May with a 3.96 grade point average as a finance major.
Capozzoli became Stockton's 20th Academic All-American overall and first men's lacrosse player to receive the honor. His selection marked five straight years and eight of the last nine with at least one Academic All-American for Stockton.
The Academic All-America Teams are selected by college athletic communications professionals. The men's at-large category encompasses multiple sports, including lacrosse, ice hockey, wrestling, golf, volleyball and water polo.
OSPREY NOTES
🚘 Parking Registration Open for 2024-25 Academic Year
Parking registration for the 2024-2025 academic year is now open.The online system may self-propagate the fields once your license plate has been entered. Please have your vehicle information for reference. For more information about parking, visit stockton.edu/parking.
Once you check out, your vehicle is registered to park in its designated lots. A permit will not be mailed to you; your license plate is your permit.
There are changes regarding parking and shuttles for the fall 2024 semester, visit Parking and Transportation News & Updates to learn more.
Read the SCOSA August Newsletter
Read the Stockton Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA)'s August newsletter for interesting upcoming events and newly added programming.
Fun Fact Friday: Today is 🥯 National Bagelfest Day! Polish-Jewish immigrants introduced the bagel to the United States during the 19th century, where they grew thriving bagel businesses throughout New York City and the surrounding boroughs. How do you garnish the kosher carbohydrate: Butter or cream cheese?
UPCOMING EVENTS
👩💻 Professional Development Opportunities
Now-Aug. 7: Children’s Summer Playhouse
Now-Aug. 11: Surfside Casual Furniture 2024 Summer Show House
Now-Aug. 23: American History Through War Perspectives
Aug. 1: 🎹 “The Mischlinge Exposè” with Carolyn Enger
Aug. 4: 🎡 Stockton Day at Morey’s Piers
Aug. 10: Second Saturdays - Beach Clean Up
