A Message from President Harvey Kesselman

This summer, Stockton is wrapping up the celebration of its 50th year of teaching. It is a true testament to the efforts of all our faculty, staff, students and community partners that our tiny “college in the pines,” with its humble beginnings at the Mayflower Hotel on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, has grown into the nationally recognized institution it is today. Close to 1,000 snapshots of our past 50 years are now on display on the Campus Center bridge in an Osprey mural. I encourage you all to take a trip to visit campus and see it for yourself (and if you can’t make it, read some of the stories behind the photos).

Speaking of the Campus Center, the welcoming ‘front door’ of the Galloway campus celebrated its 10th anniversary this spring, albeit a year late due to the pandemic. The reunion of previous student workers, employees and friends was evidence of the lifelong connections created at Stockton.

While it is fun to look back at how far we’ve come, it is important to remember that Stockton is here to put Students First and set them up for success. The cover story of this edition of Stockton Now highlights the extraordinary efforts of our faculty and staff to recruit, support and educate our Latinx population. This collective work across campus yields great results: Stockton is 7th in the nation for Hispanic graduation rates according to a report by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Although not a traditional semester, a lot is happening at Stockton this summer. Our Rocket League esports team recently placed second in the world at the Collegiate Rocket League World Championships in Dallas. More than 100 students are participating in the Stockton Atlantic City Summer Experience, where they are working for a variety of businesses in Atlantic City, and the employers are covering their housing at Stockton Atlantic City. The PAC is back, and hosting shows for children this summer and ramping up for a full slate of programming this fall.

There is so much to see, do and celebrate at Stockton this summer and beyond. I encourage you to stay connected with the University, and maybe stop by to say hello!

Go Ospreys!