Stockton News - Oct. 4, 2024 - University Relations & Marketing

Stockton News - Oct. 4, 2024

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

Flag Raising Launches LGBTQ+ History Month

Long before Stockton was ranked one of the top LGBTQ+-friendly colleges, a student in 1975 penned a letter denouncing the founding of a student organization called “The Gay Peoples’ Union” to the editors of the Argo titled, "I hate perverts.”

Immediately following the letter is one titled “Gays’ rebuttal,” written by the GPU’s founding members. In it, they proclaim that the LGBTQ+ population at Stockton “share the same rights to life, organization and community enjoyed by all others.”

Today, Stockton is a higher education institution that has earned national recognition for its support of pride on campus, which is annually affirmed in a rainbow flag-raising ceremony like the one on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the Arts & Sciences Circle.

Reflecting on the past and how the people before them fought for their right to live their lives authentically was a common thread throughout the ceremony’s remarks.

📸 View more photos on flickr.

Record Number of Students Enroll in Graduate Programs

The largest fall class in school history has pushed Stockton to record graduate program enrollment.

A historic class of 441 new graduate students enrolled in the University’s 19 graduate programs in the fall of 2024 — an 10% increase from 2023. That brings the University’s total graduate enrollment to a record 1,068 students.

“We realize that there is growing interest for advanced degrees from professionals in southern New Jersey,” said Michael A. Palladino, Stockton’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “And Stockton University is ready to help meet that demand with a wide variety of programs from a Master of Business Administration to a Doctor of Nursing Practice.”

Stockton Expands Transfer Pathways Agreement with Ocean County College

Students in four majors at Ocean County College can now seamlessly transfer to Stockton’s four-year programs as part of a new memorandum of understanding signed Sept. 26 by the schools.

“We are very excited to build on the strong partnership between Stockton and Ocean County College," said President Joe Bertolino. “Today we are expanding on our Transfer Pathways agreement that has been in place for more than five years by adding new program-to-program articulations in several high-demand majors.”

“Ocean County College is extremely proud to expand our partnership with Stockton University,” said OCC President Pamela Monaco, pictured with Bertolino. “Working together, we will provide exciting new opportunities for our students, encouraging them to pursue their goals and helping to remove the barriers that prevent them from finding success. I am greatly looking forward to our continued collaboration and excited for the future of our students.”

Foundation Golf Classic raises more than $95,000

For Tatiana Shukovsky, a Stockton economics major from Estell Manor, the scholarships she received from the University’s Foundation last spring were life changing.

“This past January, I had to invest thousands of dollars into a new pair of hearing aids, which wiped out my savings meant for tuition,” she shared with attendees of the Stockton University Foundation’s Golf Classic. “When I found out I was awarded two scholarships, I was beyond elated. The funds covered much of my tuition this year, lifting a huge burden off my family.”

Shukovsky’s story underscored the true impact of the annual Golf Classic, held on Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Renault Winery and Resort. The event brought together alumni, community members and supporters, all committed to helping students like Shukovsky succeed.

📸 View more photos on flickr.

STOCKTON UNIVERSITY ATLANTIC CITY

Panel: Summer of 2024 Was a ‘Little Less Robust Than Expected’

While all the data isn’t available yet, the summer of 2024 was “a little bit less robust than perhaps expected” as far as the Atlantic City economy.

That was one of the key points mentioned at the fifth annual Jersey Shoreview, a panel discussion of regional business leaders sponsored by the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) at the Stockton University School of Business. The discussion was held Oct. 3 at the Stockton Atlantic City John F. Scarpa Academic Center and streamed online.

LIGHT Faculty Director Jane Bokunewicz opened the discussion, which was moderated by Bre Young ’20, the event coordinator and project manager for Good Time Tricycle Productions. Good Time Tricycle has put together several events in the Atlantic City area, including the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival.

🚧 Paving Work On Atlantic Avenue Oct. 8-9

A contractor will be repaving Atlantic Avenue (street between the John F. Scarpa Academic Center and Kesselman Hall) between 7 a.m.-5 p.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Wednesday, Oct. 9 (weather dependent), which may impact entry into the John F. Scarpa Academic Center parking lot. If it does, please feel free to park in the student commuter parking lot adjacent to Kesselman Hall and the Boardwalk, across from the Knife and Fork Inn. Payment is not required if your vehicle is registered through Stockton parking.

FRAME-WORTHY

'Cause I got a golden ticket 🎫

🍬 Wonka Wonderland was a whirlwind of wondrous delights! From the tasty treats to the live music from Monsters of Academia, faculty and staff had a sweet time connecting with one another this week.

🍫 Golden ticket winners received gift certificates to the PAC, the bookstore, local eateries and a chance to have lunch with President Joe. The winners were Lt. Gio Maione, campus police; Erin Sappio, assistant professor of Counseling; Sam Whitehurst, director of Content Strategy; Melissa Hughson, program assistant in Human Resources; Nico Musitano, professional services specialist in the Provost’s Office; and Christine Schairer, assistant director of Academic Science Labratories and Field Facilities.

🎫 There is still ONE unclaimed golden ticket! Is it you? Be sure to come forward and claim your prize.

📸 View more photos on flickr.

WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU

Instagram: September flew by at Osprey 🦅 speed.

TikTok: Life on Campus 🍂🧡🚶‍♀️

X: We hope you have a great week, Ospreys!

FROM THE SIDELINES

Stockton Sweeps Rutgers-Newark

The volleyball team earned a conference victory on the road at Rutgers-Newark by scores of 25-17, 25-22, 25-17 on Oct. 3, with 12 Ospreys seeing action in the win.

Kate Louer tied her season high with 16 kills and committed no errors on 24 attacks for a torrid .667 hitting percentage. Rileigh Wilson also hit double figures with 10 kills and added four blocks.

Ashley Carkhuff contributed nine kills and nine digs while setters Regan Mendick and Kristen Burton handed out 16 and 15 assists respectively. Read more game coverage here.

Stockton will have the weekend off before hosting Kean University in an NJAC match at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Stockton Cruises to Fourth Straight Win

The field hockey team extended its winning streak to four and evened its overall record with a 3-0 victory over Immaculata University on Oct. 2. The Ospreys took control with two early goals and posted their third straight shutout.

Carlee Thompson and Ameera Bilgrami led Stockton with a goal and an assist apiece. Kiera Lyons contributed a goal for the Ospreys. Read more game coverage here.

Stockton returns home to host FDU-Florham at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.

🦅 For more athletics news and upcoming game information, visit here.🦅

OSPREY NOTES

Poll Finds Election Distrust Persists in N.J.

One-third of all New Jersey voters still doubt the legitimacy of the 2020 election for United States president, according to a poll released Thursday, Oct. 3 by the Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton.

As many as 24% of New Jersey voters disagreed strongly and 9% disagreed somewhat that the 2020 election for president was fair and secure. The rate remains steady from a March 2021 Stockton poll which found that 34% of New Jerseyans disagreed, at least to some extent, that the 2020 election was fair.

Election distrust persists in 2024. Nearly one-third (31%) said they have little (18%) to no confidence (13%) that votes will be accurately cast and counted in November’s election.

Majorities agree, at least somewhat, that the 2020 election was fair (63%) and are at least somewhat confident that the result will be accurate this year (68%). There is a clear split in election doubt and distrust along party lines.

🎬 September’s Eye on Stockton is Here!

Welcome to the fall semester! Our campus has been bustling with welcoming new students, celebrating culture and building community. The latest installment of Eye on Stockton - our video series recapping some of the great things happening at the University - includes highlights from a busy and exciting September.

Panel Discusses Hispanic Community’s Challenges at Stockton

In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Stockton University UNIDOS hosted “Escaleras (The Climb),” a panel that brought together alumni, current students and community members on Thursday, Sept. 19, for an empowering conversation about the challenges and triumphs of the Hispanic community and people of color.

The panel addressed topics like imposter syndrome, breaking through barriers and the struggles unique to marginalized groups.

For many attendees, like student Jade Rojas-Munguia, the event resonated deeply and highlighted the collective strength of the community.

Read the SCOSA October Newsletter

Read the Stockton Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA)'s October newsletter for interesting upcoming events and newly added programming.

Fun Fact Friday: Oh, happy day! Seriously - 😊 the first Friday in October is World Smile Day. The Day was initiated by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts, who was known for creating the iconic smiley face symbol in 1963. Ball felt his creation had become too commercialized and wanted to devote a day to genuine smiles and acts of kindness. The first World Smile Day was celebrated in 1999 and is now an annual tradition. Smiling is known to improve mood, lower blood pressure, relieve stress and much more.

Need a reason to smile? It's Ospreys Give next week – a campaign focused on giving and gratitude.