A Stockton University senior was recognized for her tutoring skills with an award honoring the memory of a legendary local tutor.
Senior Hailey Bidinger was recognized with the 2025 Paul D. Staller ’97 Writing Center Tutor Award for her commitment as a Peer Writer, carrying on a tradition of supporting the Stockton University community.
The award was created by the Staller Family of Atlantic City in memory of their son, Paul, a 1997 Communication Studies graduate who found purpose in tutoring his fellow students.
Staller grew up in Margate and was a graduate of Atlantic City High School. He died at the age of 40 in 2014 in Los Angeles, where he was working as a comedy writer.
The annual ceremony held at the John F. Scarpa Academic Center, has become a tradition at Stockton.
“This award is a reminder that Paul’s spirit lives on in the students who carry his legacy forward,” said Alan Staller, Paul’s father. “I had no idea he was tutoring before he passed away, but now, the people we’ve met through this award have given us a new piece of Paul to hold on to.”
Bidinger, a senior Biology major from Turnersville, Gloucester County, reflected on what it means to be part of that legacy.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Staller family for their recognition of my achievements and the honor to carry on Paul's legacy,” she said. “For me, being a Peer Writer has always been about helping others. My hope is that every writer that enters the Paul Staller room (in the Tutoring Center) leaves with something more than they came in with.”
Bidinger’s impact goes beyond academic support in the Tutoring Center. During the summer, she works at a county school with non-verbal third and fourth graders, providing care and support to special needs children. She hopes to continue her education in Stockton’s Nursing program after graduation.
“I take it very seriously trying to choose someone who’s deserving,” said Writing Center Coordinator Eddie Horan. “Someone who has earned not only the Staller family’s support, but their name on the plaque beside Paul’s.”
For Bidinger, Stockton has become a place of belonging and discovery. “I love that all my professors know me by name,” she said. “It’s my home away from home, even though it’s only an hour from where I live. It’s given me so much independence and hands-on experience I don’t think I’d get anywhere else.”
Pam Cross, former Writing Center coordinator, shared memories of Paul and what made his presence so impactful.
“He was so generous with students, and he lacked any kind of judgmental nature,” she said. “He sometimes broke the rules, but always with grace. He just wanted everything to be okay for everyone around him.”
Echoing that sentiment, Dan Nugent, executive director of the Stockton University Foundation, added, “The Staller family’s generosity and belief in Stockton have built a legacy that continues to change lives. This award is a testament to their enduring dedication to our community.”
Bidinger's name will be added to the plaque that hangs outside the Writing Center, a lasting reminder that the qualities Paul embodied, empathy, intellect and heart, live on in Stockton’s students.
Contributions to the Paul D. Staller '97 Writing Center Endowed Fund can be made through the Stockton Foundation’s website.
