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Atlantic City, N.J. – The �ֲ���ý University Foundation held its annual Scholarship Benefit Gala, bringing together more than 500 �ֲ���ý alumni, students, faculty and community members to raise funds to support student scholarships.

The April 20 event was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the event’s top sponsor for a third year. It raised nearly $400,000 to support the �ֲ���ý Foundation’s Scholarship Benefit endowment, which now totals more than $5 million.   

Laura Leonel, a first-year student and scholarship recipient from Long Branch, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This was an amazing opportunity to interact with donors as a scholarship recipient. The gala is something not every student gets to attend, and I felt honored to be there. I am so grateful for the scholarship and all the opportunities it has provided.”

�ֲ���ý’s students and faculty showcased their talents at a variety of interactive exhibits. Guests participated in painting a mural of �ֲ���ý’s Lake Fred with the Noyes Museum, sampled �ֲ���ý maple syrup, played Mario Kart with the esports team, made sherbet with help from Physics students, enjoyed port wine tasting and dessert pairings with Hospitality and Tourism students, and experienced a glimpse into �ֲ���ý's farming practices with representatives from the Sustainability Farm. 

�ֲ���ý President Joe Bertolino thanked guests for their continued investment in �ֲ���ý. “It is inspiring to see our community come together to support the future of education. This gala not only celebrates academic achievement but fosters a sense of belonging for the students who benefit from your generosity.” 

The annual gala also served as a platform for furthering meaningful connections and networking opportunities, underscored by live music from Philly’s Finest, raffles, a putting contest and a variety of food and decor representing �ֲ���ý’s presence in the Pinelands and on the beach.  

The gala's success was made possible through the generous contributions of sponsors, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 351, the Azeez Foundation and Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law.

Other sponsors include: SOSH Architects, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Local 255, Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc., Pepsi, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more.  

To support student scholarships and learn more about the �ֲ���ý University Foundation, visit stockton.edu/foundation.