From left, Joe Fusco, Stockton Trustee Ray Ciccone, Sarah Jacobson, President Harvey Kesselman, and Trustee Michael Jacobson.
ATLANTIC CITY - More than 600 people supported Stockton University's 39th annual Scholarship Benefit Gala at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday, May 4. Along with sponsorships and donations, the event raised more than $450,000 for student scholarships.
Stockton President Harvey Kesselman thanked guests, sponsors and donors for their support, both at gala and throughout the year.
Because of your generosity and because you know that an investment in scholarship funds is an investment in our future, Stockton can prepare more students to lead the way, as innovators, educators, critical thinkers and problem solvers for a better tomorrow, Kesselman said.
Net proceeds benefit the Stockton University Foundation Benefit Gala Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provided more than $123,500 in scholarships to 115 students last year.
Several students who have received scholarships attended the event.
Nilanjana Das will graduate in May 2021 with a degree in marine science and biology. Her scholarship allowed her to participate in several scientific research activities outside academics.
The experiences I've gained through my scholarship opened up a lot of doors that will help me in my future career and prepare me for graduate school, Das said. I'd just like to thank the donors of that scholarship for making these opportunities possible.
Daniel Nugent, chief development officer and executive director of the Stockton foundation, thanked donors, the gala committee, volunteers and all who assisted in making the event a success. He also underscored the value the gala brings to students and Stockton.
In addition to having a great time, we're raising money to support some incredible students, he said. In my role, I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to interact with many of the students who benefit from our foundation scholarships they are truly impressive.
Guests began the evening with a cocktail reception featuring Stockton-inspired cocktails in the Osprey Signature Lounge, specialties from the beer and spirit garden, hors d'oeuvres, carving stations, a raw bar and decadent desserts.
The Midtown Men and Stockton's a capella group Stockapella performed at the Gala.
The Philadelphia String Quartet kicked off the evening's entertainment, followed by a performance from Stockton a capella group, Stockapella. Guests then packed the dance floor for a lively performance by The Midtown Men, featuring four stars from the original cast of Broadway's Jersey Boys. DJ Blaze followed The Midtown Men and kept guests dancing well into the evening.
Throughout the evening guests bid on several auction items, including this year's newest addition, the Ultimate Tour of Atlantic City, which included gifts valued at $3,000.
Primary partner for this year's event, Tito's Handmade Vodka, once again agreed to match the first $10,000 raised through the auction, while the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351 signed on as this year's platinum record sponsor.
Top sponsors include Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, Cooper University Health Care, Legacy Treatment Services and Clover Health. Additionally, the gala received sponsorships from ACUA, AtlantiCare, Avalon Flooring, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Caesars Entertainment, ,Capaldi Reynolds & Pelosi, Chartwells, Cooper Levenson; Dean and Zoe Papas Family Foundation, Dr. Howard and Gayle Gross, Falasca Mechanical Inc.,Follett Higher Education Group, Glenn Insurance, Inc., Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters & Carpenters Local 255, Local Union #322 Plumbers and Pipefitters, M&T Bank, Marathon Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., Park Place Parking, Pennoni, Pennsylvania Trust, Pepsi, Saul Ewing Arnstein and Lehr LLP, SOSH Architects, South Jersey Industries, The Azeez Foundation, The Press of Atlantic City and Wells Fargo.
Since 2007, the benefit gala has added more than $3 million to the endowment in support of student scholarships. The endowment has grown from $3 million in 2003 to nearly $40 million today.
