Office of Public Relations

Pomona, NJ 08240

 

Stockton College Spring Scholarship Benefit Tops $500,000

 

The sold out event makes history in its first time off-campus in 26 years

at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

 

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Contact: Tim Kelly

Stockton Public Relations

(609) 652-4950

 

 

Atlantic City, NJ The 26^th Annual Stockton College Spring Scholarship Benefit, held Saturday at the Trump Taj Mahal, exceeded its goals, both financially, and in bringing the event to Atlantic City for the first time.

 

The Benefit raised in excess of $500,000, including dollars garnered from a silent and live auction which brought in a record $71,000. This years Honorary Chairman, Mark Juliano of Trump Entertainment, Gala Chairpersons Mac and Kay Seelig, and the Benefit Committee engaged the community like never before drawing over 850 people. They included business and civic leaders, public officials, and alumni from throughout the region as well as the Stockton Community. Proceeds from the event will support the College Foundation scholarship fund, which helps Stockton to offer scholarships each year for deserving students.

 

We are entering a new era of collaboration in Atlantic City, and the success of our Spring Benefit reflects that, President Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. said. The President noted the Colleges presence in the city with its Carnegie Library Center, hospitality management program, and community initiatives such as the free Fannie Lou Hamer Lecture Series, our professional development training programs and many other services.

 

The President also lauded the work of the Benefit Committee and the support of key sponsors including Trump Entertainment Resorts, Wachovia Bank, The Press of Atlantic City, Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring, Commerce Bank, AtlantiCare, Atlantic City Electric, among numerous others.

 

Attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception featuring a seafood extravaganza, followed by a full-course sit-down dinner. Guests participated in a silent and live auction and enjoyed a live performance by Grammy Award Winner Roberta Flack. The Stockton Faculty Band provided additional entertainment during the cocktail reception.

 

Highlighting the evening were remarks by two Stockton College students who are beneficiaries of the Colleges scholarship program. Davida Repses, a freshman majoring in physical therapy, was an honors graduate of Oakcrest High School, graduating in the top 5% of her class. Junior Jana DiCosmo, a political science major and Spanish minor, maintains a cumulative 4.0 average. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Pleasantville High. Both young women could have attended just about anywhere, and selected Stockton. My experiences at Stockton have been invaluable, DiCosmo said. I live in a world where (an assignment) is not merely a homework assignment but a privilege, and one that is truly appreciated.

 

Repses spoke for many students for whom scholarships made the difference in their college careers. Without your generous donations, many studentswould not be where we are right now. Perhaps one day I will be doing the same for other well deserving students.

 

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