Stockton News - April 3, 2026 - University Relations & Marketing

Stockton News - April 3, 2026

WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT

Tyrrell Named LIGHT Director as Bokunewicz to Retire

Professor Brian Tyrrell has been named the new faculty director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) at Stockton University, effective July 1, succeeding Jane Bokunewicz, who will retire on June 30.

For more than two decades, Tyrrell has served as a faculty member in the Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program in the School of Business at Stockton. He served as the Interim Director for the New Jersey Center for Hospitality and Tourism Research Center, before it was commissioned as LIGHT and played a role in the institute’s initial formation.

“Having been part of LIGHT’s development from its early stages, I’ve seen firsthand the impact it can have in connecting research, industry and student opportunity,” Tyrrell said. “I look forward to expanding our partnerships, advancing meaningful research, training industry professionals and continuing to support the growth of Atlantic City’s gaming, hospitality and tourism sectors.”

Bokunewicz, also a professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management at Stockton and a former executive in the casino industry, has served as LIGHT’s faculty director since 2020.

Among LIGHT’s accomplishments during her time as its director, Bokunewicz oversaw the launch of the International Journal of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism, the start of two industry-focused certificate programs at Stockton, the presentation of more than 20 webinars and the publication of the Atlantic City Casino Industry Impact Report in collaboration with the Casino Association of New Jersey.

STARS Keynote Speaker Addresses Responsible AI Use

Now in its third year, Stockton University’s Scholarship, Teaching & Research Symposium (STARS) kicked off its campus-wide celebration of student research across the university on March 31.

STARS features six weeks of expos, symposiums, award ceremonies and achievement events, such as the retiring faculty Farewell Forum (April 15) and the Origami Showcase (April 22). Some of the departments that will present research symposiums include Marine Science (April 17), Chemistry (April 21), Social Work (April 23) and Biochemistry (April 30).

“STARS is proving to be a powerful reminder of what makes our campus community exceptional — bringing together faculty, staff and students to celebrate innovation, scholarship and creativity across disciplines,” said Ronnie Maiorino, of Stockton’s Center for Teaching and Learning Design, which organized the symposium. “It’s more than a series of events; it’s a shared moment of excellence, connection and inspiration.”

Stockton Top 10 in U.S. in Military Friendly Rankings

For the third year in a row, Stockton has been recognized as a Top 10 school in the country for its outstanding outreach to military veterans.

Stockton was selected No. 9 among small public schools nationwide in the 2025-26 Military Friendly® School survey. The university was also recognized among small public schools in the Military Spouse Friendly Survey. It’s the fifth year in a row that Stockton obtained a Military Friendly® designation.

Stockton is one of only 878 schools in the country to receive the Military Friendly® designation and one of only 730 to receive the Military Spouse Friendly designation. More than 3,200 schools applied for the designation.

“This designation is not only the work of the Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC), it reflects a coordinated, campus-wide effort,” said Michael Barany, director of the MVSC. “From Admissions and Financial Aid to Tutoring, Counseling Services and engaged faculty, Stockton has embraced a truly collaborative, campus-wide support model for military-connected students.”

📰In the News: Galloway Patch, The Press of Atlantic City

STOCKTON UNIVERSITY ATLANTIC CITY

Poerner ’00 Measures Success in Miles and Memories

Bryan Poerner ’00 was an entrepreneur before it was trendy. He followed his passions and had stints running his own record label, as a radio DJ, professional runner, shoe salesman and small business owner before landing the role of CEO of Diadora US.

“Success is everything I tried and didn’t get paid for. Success is not my title — it’s the stuff I remember, the stuff I love,” said Poerner, the School of Business Dean’s Distinguished Speaker, on March 26.

“Bryan lets you know that whatever you want to do from Stockton you can do. Learning never stops,” Interim Dean William Minnis told a crowd of School of Business faculty, staff and students.

Poerner said he fell in love with running and music as a youth, which led to creating his own bands and later operating Track Star Records. He recalled pressing records and selling them out of his Stockton dorm room while setting records on Stockton’s track and field and cross-country teams.

“I put out 15 records, and I never made a dime. But I loved it all,” he said.

SPOTLIGHT ON: ALYSSA MAURICE

Alyssa Maurice has always been drawn to political science and journalism, a path that now shapes her work as assistant director and head of research and polling at the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy.

“Polling sits right at that intersection. It combines the rigor of social science with the real-time relevance of journalism, and it plays a critical role in helping the public and policymakers make sense of complex issues,” she shared. “The data that we collect helps inform the narrative around elections, policy debates and public priorities. That blend of analytical work and public-facing impact is what pulled me in and continues to motivate my work today.”

Maurice has been selected to serve as president of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey chapter of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), a role she is deeply passionate about.

Here, she discusses her expectations for the position, her background and the challenges facing public opinion research in an evolving political landscape.

FRAME-WORTHY

Woodstockton XVI Lights Up Campus with The Driver Era

🎤 Woodstockton XVI filled the Sports Center with energy as The Driver Era brought the crowd to life for one unforgettable night on Tuesday, March 31.

📸 See photos from the show on Flickr.

WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU

Facebook: Today, we're highlighting Women in GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) at #StocktonU.

Instagram: Big day on the water! Introducing the Lake Fred Rollers, Stockton’s newest log rolling club sport, making waves with their first competition TODAY, April 1, at 4 p.m. vs. Rowan.

LinkedIn: Happy EOF Month! Stockton University is proud to support hundreds of students in our Educational Opportunity Fund program. EOF students receive academic advising, financial assistance and other support to ensure they are successful at Stockton.

FROM THE SIDELINES

Softball Team Continues Historic Run with Sweep of No. 14 Rowan

The softball team continued the best start in program history on March 31 with a doubleheader sweep of No. 14 Rowan, 7-2 and 4-2. Stockton also earned its first-ever national ranking this week, debuting at No. 19 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll.

The Ospreys’ seventh straight win marked their first doubleheader sweep of Rowan since 1984.

Caitlin Cetrulo and Alexa Panagopoyloseach recorded their 100th career hit during the twinbill. Casey Sokol earned a win and a save, pitching two innings in each game.

McKenna George went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI in game one, while Cetrulo and Camryn Harry added two hits and an RBI apiece. Stockton jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by Cetrulo’s milestone RBI double and Harry’s run-scoring single.

In game two, George went 2-for-4 with two runs, extending her streak to 12 consecutive games with at least one run scored. Harry drove in two of Stockton’s four runs.

Next Up: Stockton continues its 10-game homestand with a doubleheader against Salisbury at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 3.

Women’s Tennis Earns First Win Under New Head Coach

The women’s tennis team earned its first victory of the season on March 31 with a 4-3 win over FDU-Florham. Rookie head coach Shane Monroe secured his first collegiate victory.

The Ospreys claimed the doubles point by winning both contested matches and went on to take three of four singles matches to seal the win.

Rocio Lucero won 6-1, 6-0 at No. 1 singles, while Arielis Martinez (6-0, 6-0 at No. 2) and Trista Sparks (6-0, 6-3 at No. 3) also earned straight-set victories.

In doubles play, the teams of Martinez and Sparks (No. 1) and Lucero and Alexa Arias (No. 2) each won by identical 6-2 scores.

Next Up: Stockton will host Kean in its home opener at 3:30 p.m. April 9.

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

STOCKTON SITES & CENTERS

Stockton at Manahawkin Stays Active Through Winter

From hands-on nursing instruction to community health outreach, Stockton at Manahawkin remained active throughout February and March, continuing to support students and the surrounding community.

Spring 2026 brought expanded course offerings beyond the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, including Statistics (BUSN) and Beaches (NAMS), giving students more opportunities to take classes locally.

Recruitment efforts also continued with two ABSN Information Sessions in late February and early March, drawing more than 60 prospective students and guests. Attendees learned about the program, admissions process and toured facilities, including the Nursing Foundations Lab.

Students found time to connect outside the classroom during events like Sweet Valentine’s Treats Week and a St. Patrick’s Day snack celebration, offering a welcome break during the semester.

Community partnerships were highlighted on March 18, when the Ocean County Board of Health hosted a free Health Screenings and Information Day. Students and community members received screenings and educational resources focused on overall wellness.

OSPREY NOTES

🚨Campus Evacuation Drills Scheduled for Week of April 13

Campus Police and Facilities & Operations will conduct evacuation drills across select academic and administrative buildings on the Galloway and Atlantic City campuses during the week of April 13.

Drills will last approximately 15–20 minutes and will take place at the beginning or end of scheduled classes. When alarms sound, occupants should exit immediately using the nearest safe exit and follow standard evacuation procedures.

The drills are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen campus safety and emergency preparedness. More information and resources are available on the Emergency Management website.

If you have any questions or require additional information, contact Al Handy at 609-652-4480 or albert.handy@stockton.edu.

April 15 Financial Aid Deadline Approaching

Students who received the State Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and/or Stockton Promise funding during the 2025–26 academic year must complete the 2026–27 FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application (NJ Dreamers only) by April 15, 2026. Anyone who misses this deadline won’t be considered for these funds in 2026-27 even if they’re financially eligible!

To support students through the process, the Office of Financial Aid is offering FAFSA Completion Appointments throughout the spring semester. Appointments are available at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on April 9 and at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon on April 14.

Appointments can be scheduled through Ospreys Navigate via the goStockton portal at stockton.edu/contactfinaid.

Students not impacted by this deadline are still encouraged to apply for 2026–27 financial aid as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines, receive aid offers earlier and allow time to complete any required steps before the fall billing deadline.

Students can also learn more and begin their application at stockton.edu/fafsa.

Faculty, Staff Discount Available for Scholarship Benefit Gala

The Scholarship Benefit Gala will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, in the Campus Center. Join colleagues and community members for an unforgettable evening of gourmet food, live music, dancing and entertainment.

To show our appreciation for the difference you make at Stockton every day, a special faculty and staff ticket price is available. Purchase tickets for $200 by selecting “Faculty/Staff” or “Faculty/Staff Friend.”

📱 On This Day

Cell ya what: On April 3, 1973, Motorola engineer Martin Cooper made the first handheld mobile phone call, basically kicking off our whole smartphone obsession.

👉 The first cell phone call, dialed in.