Stockton News - March 28, 2025 - University Relations & Marketing

Stockton News - March 28, 2025

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

Agreement with Atlantic Cape to Benefit Fine, Visual Arts Students

Stockton and Atlantic Cape Community College announced a new articulation agreement on Monday, March 24 to benefit fine and visual arts students.

Under this partnership, Atlantic Cape graduates will have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Visual Art, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications degree at Stockton after being admitted into the university and meeting the regular standards for admission for all New Jersey community college graduates.

Stockton's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Palladinoand Atlantic Cape’s Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Josette Katz signed the agreement in the STEM Building on Atlantic Cape’s Mays Landing campus.

Atlantic Cape students will have to complete certain designated Stockton program writing and course requirements. Upon graduating from Atlantic Cape, students transferring to Stockton would have junior-year status as they work toward earning a bachelor’s degree.

Palladino touted the benefits of partnering with Atlantic Cape to help ensure that graduates who transfer to Stockton receive the best education possible as they continue their path toward earning a bachelor’s degree.

Gratitude, Appreciation Key Themes for SWLC Awards Ceremony

The Stockton Women’s Leadership Council (SWLC), a Stockton University Foundation initiative dedicated to empowering and mentoring students on campus, hosted its second annual Excellence in Mentoring Awards on Tuesday, March 25.

Prior to the awards,Donna Albano, chair of the SWLC, gave a heartwarming tribute to Johanna Johnson, who served as the previous chair of the Stockton Foundation and founded the SWLC in 2018. In helping establish the council, Johnson’s impact on campus includes supporting more than 80 Stockton students and alumni through one-on-one guidance and networking, as well as awarding more than $20,000 in scholarships to deserving students based on academic excellence and financial need.

“Her foresight and dedication have created a lasting legacy, demonstrating the powerful impact that targeted support and resources can have on empowering women and enhancing contributions to both philanthropic and professional endeavors. Johanna's work is a shining example of how one person's vision and commitment can transform a community and inspire countless others,” Albano said.

Amid a standing ovation, Johnson stood up and proudly declared, “It takes a village.”

Women’s W.O.R.T.H. Circle Concludes Women’s History Month

Stockton faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered in the Multicultural Center on Thursday, March 27, to honor Women’s History Month and hold a Women’s W.O.R.T.H. (Working on Rebuilding Trust and Healing) Circle.

The event showcased the diverse experiences of women within Stockton’s campus community and allowed them to share personal stories related to womanhood, identity, success, challenges or mentorship. In addition to sharing their stories, members of the audience asked questions of the panelists to encourage a sense of community and belonging.

📸 View more photos from the event here.

STOCKTON UNIVERSITY ATLANTIC CITY

MBA Graduate Tells Students to ‘Learn and Sway’ with Adversity

Dwight McBee’s experiences as a nurse and a father heavily inspired his professional career. His daughter has Rett Syndrome — a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by a progressive loss of motor skills and language abilities — and that has fueled his interest in improving patient experience.

“Adversity will come .. instead of letting it blow us over, you have to learn and sway and advocate,” said the senior vice president and chief patient experience officer for RWJBarnabas Health, the largest health care system in New Jersey.

McBee, who earned his MBA from Stockton in 2015, spoke to a group of students as part of the School of Business Dean’s Distinguished Guest Speaker series on Thursday, March 20 at the university’s Atlantic City campus.

FRAME-WORTHY

Great Turnout at Discover Stockton Day

Discover Stockton Day had a great showing with 575 prospective students and their families coming out to see all the campus community had to offer on a beautiful afternoon Sunday, March 23.

Darren L. Bush, interim vice president for Enrollment Management, shared in a recap email later that day that informal feedback was overwhelmingly positive from attending guests. He also noted the impressive teamwork from faculty, staff, academic leaders, senior leadership, aumni, ambassadors, Chartwells and vendors, and current students campuswide to make the event such a success.

📸 View more photos from the event here.

WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU

LinkedIn: 💭 “The goal of this project wouldn't have been possible if it weren’t for the Board of Trustees Fellowship. The ideas you have can make a positive change in your community."

Instagram: Name an Osprey who brightens ☀️ your days at #StocktonU

Facebook: Nursing majors receive lifelike experiences at #StocktonU

Your favorite lake's online... have you given @lakefred1969 a follow yet? 👀

FROM THE SIDELINES

Kass Chosen Metro Region Track Athlete of the Year

Stockton junior Kayla Kass was chosen USTFCCCA Metro Region Women's Track Athlete of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Kass became just the second Osprey ever to be selected regional Athlete of the Year since the inception of the award in 2006 (Shahyan Abraham: 2023 Metro Region Field Athlete of the Year indoor). The junior racked up an impressive list of honors for the 2024-25 indoor season, highlighted by First Team All-American status after finishing sixth in the 800m at the NCAA Championships on March 15.

Kass also was the NJAC Most Outstanding Athlete, USTFCCCA All-Region in three events (800m, 4x400 relay, distance medley relay) plus NJAC First Team in the 800m and distance medley relay as well as NJAC Honorable Mention in the 4x400 relay. In addition, she was selected NJAC Track Athlete of the Week twice during the season.

Stockton Shuts Out Immaculata Twice

The softball team extended its winning streak to four games with a dominant sweep of Immaculata University March 28, posting back-to-back shutouts with scores of 6-0 and 13-0.

In the opener, Nerina Tramp fired a four-hit shutout, striking out 10 batters. Emma Coldsnowled the offense, going 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs, while Megan Searsadded a 2-for-4 performance with an RBI. Coldsnow drove in three runs in the first two innings to put Stockton up 3-0. Caitlin Cetrulo added an RBI single in the fourth before the Ospreys tacked on two more in the sixth.

The second game saw Lexi Liquoriand Casey Sokol combine for a one-hit shutout. Liquori struck out seven in four innings, while Sokol fanned three in the fifth. Stockton erupted for 10 runs in the first inning, highlighted by a three-run homer fromCharli Czaczkowski,while McKenna Georgewent 3-for-3 with four runs and three stolen bases.

Stockton opens NJAC play with a doubleheader at Montclair State at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29.

Men’s Lacrosse Edges Arcadia 12-11 on Late Goal

The men’s lacrosse team secured a dramatic 12-11 victory March 26 over Arcadia University after Gage Parker scored the game-winning goal with 1:52 remaining. The win marked Stockton’s third straight as the Ospreys held the lead for most of the game before Arcadia tied it in the fourth quarter.

Parker led Stockton with a career-high four goals and an assist, while Jack Vandegrift also notched a career-best four goals.Josh Grahamcontributed two goals and two assists.

Stockton built an early 6-2 lead and responded each time Arcadia closed the gap. The Knights tied the game at 11 with 3:10 left after three quick goals. Mike Cuzzola won the ensuing faceoff, setting up Parker’s decisive goal.

Goalie Ben Blummade 11 saves, including two crucial stops in the final 19 seconds to seal the victory. Cuzzola led Stockton with seven faceoff wins and five ground balls.

Stockton will open Coastal Lacrosse Conference play on Saturday, March 29, with a noon game at Mary Washington (Va.).

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

STOCKTON SITES & CENTERS

N.J. Voters Sound Off on Trump's Agenda in Poll

Most New Jersey voters give the Trump administration poor marks so far and Democrats are frustrated with their party’s response, according to a poll released March 26 by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University. Voters also weighed in on federal spending.

Most New Jersey voters (54%) think the country is headed in the wrong direction, while 37% said things are on the right track.

A majority (52%) rated President Donald Trump’s job performance so far as poor, 8% gave it an average rating, 11% rated it as good, and 26% think he is doing an excellent job so far.

As for the economy, most New Jersey voters (62%) think it is getting worse, while 30% think it is getting better. One in five Republicans (21%), 59% of Independents, and the vast majority of Democrats (94%) are among those who have a negative outlook right now.

📰 In the News: Asbury Park Press, NJBIZ, POLITICO, New Jersey Globe

Noyes Museum’s Expressive Arts Therapy Workshops Foster Creativity, Wellness at Kramer Hall

Stockton’s Kramer Hall in Hammonton, in partnership with the Noyes Museum of Art, offers Expressive Arts Therapy workshops every Thursday throughout each semester, providing students with a space to unwind, explore their creativity and experience the therapeutic benefits of art. These free workshops focus on hands-on activities designed to promote relaxation and self-expression.

The March 20 session featured tote bag decorating and brought together students for an afternoon of creativity and connection. Participants personalized their tote bags with unique designs, fostering a sense of artistic expression and community.

Each workshop introduces a new craft, including polymer clay heart pin making, Mod Podge picture frame crafting, mini chalkboard calligraphy, and wooden box decoupaging. With additional support from the Atlantic Center for Independent Living, these sessions are designed to be inclusive, welcoming all skill levels and providing a supportive environment for artistic exploration.

Stockton Students, SCOSA Volunteers Explore Arts in Health Care

On Wednesday, March 26, Room F 255 was bustling with intergenerational excitement as Stockton students and SCOSA older adult volunteers joined forces in Senior Operations Specialist Gina Maguire’s Therapeutic Arts with Older Adults class.

The session focused on "Arts on Prescription: A Field Guide for U.S. Communities," which explores how doctors in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe prescribe arts-based interventions alongside medical treatments. Students presented their insights on the approach’s evidence, outcomes and potential implementation in the United States.

They then teamed up with older adults (two students, one older adult) in small groups to discuss and plan their own vision.

“The students and older adults were all fully engaged and excited about the idea of using arts interventions in health care and to combat loneliness,” Maguire said. “Some even volunteered to assist SCOSA in planning more intergenerational programming. The morning was a great success. We are hoping to showcase some of our ideas at SCOSA’s Festival on May 9.”

Read the SCOSA April Newsletter

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

OSPREY NOTES

🎬 Latest Eye on Stockton is Here

We've made it through Spring Break and our Ospreys are working hard toward the end of the semester, and for many, Commencement - coming up on May 13 and 16. As you enjoy the warming weather, take a look at the latest installment of Eye on Stockton, which recaps just a few of the highlights from the first half of the semester.

Financial Aid Deadline Approaching

Attention faculty and staff: April 15 is the deadline for students who received the State Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and/or the Stockton Promise in the 2024-25 academic year to complete the 2025-26 FAFSA at fafsa.gov or the New Jersey Alternative Application for Financial Aid (for NJ Dreamers only) at hesaa.org. Completing these applications ensures students are considered for state aid and the Stockton Promise for the 2025-26 academic year.

Students who miss this deadline could lose out on thousands of dollars in grant funding. In addition to outreach efforts across campus, please encourage students to apply for financial aid by April 15.

One-on-one FAFSA completion appointments are available every Wednesday and Friday in March and April for students and families who need assistance. Students can register at stockton.edu/contactfinaid.

Reminder: Complete the Faculty & Staff Climate Survey by April 4

Don’t forget to complete the Great Colleges to Work For survey before the April 4 deadline. Your feedback helps Stockton improve workplace culture, communication and management.

The survey is completely confidential and administered by ModernThink LLC to ensure anonymity. You should have received an email from surveys@modernthink.net with participation details. You will continue to receive regular reminders throughout the period until you complete the survey.

Your voice matters—higher response rates lead to meaningful insights. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. Approximately six weeks following the close of the survey, Stockton will receive reports that summarize the organizational competencies and relationships that most directly impact and influence our culture.

For questions, email Craig Bickley at craig.bickley@stockton.edu.

Faculty, Staff Discount for Gala Available through April 4

The Scholarship Benefit Gala is coming home, being held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 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—we’re offering a special faculty and staff ticket price. Get your tickets for $175 with code FACULTYSTAFF at checkout through April 4.

Fun Fact Friday: National Something on a Stick Day, celebrated annually on March 28, highlights the fun and convenience of eating food served on a stick. From corn dogs and kebabs to popsicles and skewered desserts (hello cake pop), the day encourages people to enjoy creative and portable meals. Food on a stick has been a staple in cultures worldwide for centuries, with examples including Japanese yakitori, Thai satay and Turkish shish kebabs. The appeal lies in its ease of handling, making it popular at fairs, festivals and street markets. People celebrate by trying new recipes, hosting themed gatherings or visiting vendors that specialize in skewered treats. Whether it’s sweet or savory, National Something on a Stick Day offers a chance to enjoy a fun twist on favorite foods.