GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - Stockton University has chosen two alumni to be the keynote speakers at its May commencement ceremonies.
Richard Maung ’01, ’07 will address the graduates earning advanced degrees at the Doctoral and Master’s Ceremony on May 12 at the Galloway Campus.
Roxanne Passarella ’00 will provide the keynote address at the 2026 Baccalaureate Commencement Ceremonies on May 15 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
“Commencement is the most meaningful tradition at Stockton, and we are proud to welcome back two distinguished alumni whose careers reflect the very best of our university,” Stockton President Joe Bertolino said. “Richard Maung and Roxanne Passarella have each built remarkable professional paths grounded in leadership, service and a commitment to community. Their stories will resonate deeply with our graduates as they prepare to take the next steps in their own journeys, and we are honored to have them share their insight and inspiration with the Class of 2026.”
Richard MaungMaung earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in Physical Therapy from Stockton.
Shortly after graduation, he co-founded Achieve Physical Therapy & Fitness, which grew into a successful multi-site outpatient practice serving communities across South Jersey. He currently serves as Clinical Director and Partner within the Ivy Rehab Network, delivering comprehensive outpatient physical and occupational therapy, as well as speech and pediatric services, to patients across multiple states.
Maung has served as an adjunct professor and clinical instructor at Stockton, mentoring numerous students who have gone on to successful careers in the field. He also established the university’s first physical therapy–specific scholarship created by an alumnus. In recognition of his professional achievements and community impact, he has received the Stockton Alumni Achievement Award and Special Congressional and New Jersey State Senate honors
Passarella, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Stockton, will speak at both undergraduate ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. She is President and CEO, Business Administration and Operations at Club Boardwalk Resorts, which includes two hotel resorts in Atlantic City and one in Brigantine.
After earning her degree in Political Science at Stockton, Passarella continued her education at the Widener University School of Law, graduating in 2003. Her first official job was as a clerk for a judge in Camden.
In 2004, Passarella joined FantaSea Resorts in Atlantic City as their in-house counsel. For the next two decades her professional responsibilities grew within the companies, and in 2018 she and her partner purchased them and rebranded them to Club Boardwalk Resorts.
Passarella now uses her position to give back to the local community and the school that helped propel her forward, serving as a member of the Stockton University Foundation Board of Directors. She was also a founding member of Stockton’s Women’s Leadership Counsel.
More information about Commencement can be found at stockton.edu/commencement.
