Office of Public Relations

Pomona, NJ 08240

 

Stockton President Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. Set to Move into New Home Near Campus

Colleges Chief to Use New Space as Extension of Workplace

 

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

Contact: Tim Kelly

Stockton Public Relations

(609) 652-4950

 

Galloway Twp. After four seasons of living out of boxes and fondly remembering longtime family possessions packed away in storage facilities, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey President Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. finally has a place to call home.

 

President Saatkamp and his wife Dorothy, who immersed themselves in the Southern New Jersey community and culture upon moving to the region in June, 2003, have been living in temporary housing since then. The old presidential home in Linwood was never an option because the Board of Trustees wanted the new President closer to the campus. The College is weighing its options with that property: possibly selling it or converting it to a revenue-producing center.

 

As a result of this situation, the couple, who last resided in the Indianapolis, Indiana area, has made do with a small townhouse while they make their transition to life in the Garden State.

 

It may not be apparent to their friends and colleagues because of the Saatkamps organizational skills and commitment to the College; however the situation has been less than ideal. Finally the couple will be able to open the door on their own home, bring their belongings out of storage and take their different wardrobes out of boxes and hang them in their own closets.

 

The new house, located just off Jim Leeds Road, is about a five minute drive from Stocktons campus. The home was privately purchased by Saatkamp and will function as an extension of the presidents workplace, enabling him to carry out many of his responsibilities in a more relaxed, social setting. The living quarters of the new home make up approximately one third of its square footage. The majority of the premises will be utilized for various college activities.

 

 

The cost savings to having Saatkamp reside in a privately owned home provides additional benefit to the College. The President receives a monthly housing allowance in lieu of a presidential residence that would require College maintenance and upkeep.

 

The Saatkamps designed the new home with an open, welcoming, and bright atmosphere with plenty of natural light which will provide a positive environment for receptions. This is in keeping with the Presidents vision for an accessible administration in tune with the South Jersey community.

 

The home will play host to student receptions, fundraising functions, meetings with area legislators and civic leaders, and other off-campus social gatherings. Already scheduled are meetings with Trustees, student leaders, and new faculty and staff. The home will be an active meeting place for the College and community.

 

More importantly for Herman and Dot Saatkamp, the key word is home.