| January 2006 Stockton Home | President's Office Home |
Corzine Greeted Enthusiastically During Pre-Inaugural Appearance at Stockton
Corzine, who was sworn in as Governor on Tuesday, January 17, 2006, was escorted to the stage by College President Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. who made some welcoming remarks earlier in the evening.
Dr. Saatkamp’s comments and the venue were not the only Stockton connections to the evening’s festivities. Longtime Board of Trustee member and Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman warmed up the crowd. Also on hand were Board Chairman Gerald Weinstein and Vice Chair Dr. Clarence Hoover, as well as current Student Trustee Alternate Andrew Klimkowski, a member of the Corzine transition team (see related story). The Governor made reference to the challenges the state will face during his administration, but with an upbeat take on the situation. “If you believe we are doing the right things, then I know we’ll get through this,” he said to the applause of the crowd gathered at the Performing Arts Center Gallery. Hold me accountable. Make sure we are taking on the issues that are important to you.” It was Corzine’s second visit to Stockton in less than a year. In June, as United States Senator, he was keynote speaker at the Spring Commencement at the College. 2nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service a Rousing Success
“Last year’s event was exceptional, and we had even more participation this year,” Dr. Saatkamp said. “Although the College was officially closed, it was gratifying to see how many members of our community participated.” Books Without Borders, a project co-founded by Professor Melaku Lakew, accepted donations of hundreds of books to be shipped all over the globe to less fortunate individuals. Dozens of Stockton students and staffers participated in unloading, sorting and shipping the books. Other volunteers wrote letters or made cards for service personnel stationed overseas. Still others helped design and make quilts for newborn children for “Project Linus.” Samaritan Hospice volunteers created Valentines donated to terminally ill patients. A number of other off-campus sites benefited from the generosity of the Stockton volunteers. The men’s and women’s soccer teams painted and performed cleanup operations at the campuses of PleasanTech Charter Schools. Intergenerational interaction took place at Seashore Gardens Absecon Manor, Meadowview and Sunrise, local assisted living facilities. At the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, volunteers prepared and served food to the Misson’s clients. “It has been a great experience for me to volunteer my time," said a student who asked that her name not be used because “everyone should volunteer and not get special credit for it. If you are of sound mind and able body, you owe to those less fortunate to give something back. This is the best way we can possibly honor Dr. King’s legacy.” Spring Benefit Moves off Campus to Trump Taj Mahal; Grammy-Award Winner Roberta Flack to Perform
Last year’s 25th Anniversary edition of the event raised a record-breaking amount of $200,000. Additionally, The Richard Stockton College Foundation established a $200,000 endowment. Matching funds were provided by the College for scholarships to students. After expenses, a grand total of $300,000 was brought in by the Benefit, a record amount for a fund-raiser at Stockton. The success of the event has necessitated a shift to a different venue to continue the rapid growth. “The purpose of the benefit has always been to raise funds for scholarships and we have simply reached the maximum capacity that our campus facilities can handle,” President Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. said. “We are delighted to have entered into a partnership with Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc., and to be taking our Benefit to such a world-class facility as the Trump Taj Mahal.
Dr. Saatkamp also announced that Roberta Flack, considered one of the world’s most gifted performers, will take the stage for the Benefit at Trump’s Grand Ballroom. The evening will also include fine dining, live and silent auctions, for the low ticket price of $200. Proceeds from the event benefit deserving students through the scholarship fund at the College. Roberta Flack’s international hits include the #1 smash “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly,” “Feel Like Making Love” and “The Closer I get to You.” In another exciting announcement related to the Benefit, Dr. Saatkamp added that Mark Juliano, Chief Operating Officer for Trump Entertainment Resorts had been named Honorary Chairman for the Event. “We’re very excited to be in a position to take the Benefit to even greater heights,” President Saatkamp said, “and having the Trump Organization and the talent of Mark Juliano behind us is a remarkable advantage. Of course having spectacular entertainment such as Roberta Flack will give us a tremendous boost as well.” Dr. Saatkamp lauded the efforts of Benefit chairpersons Mac and Kay Seelig, whom he described as “bridge builders in terms of Philanthropy and bringing members of our community together. The Seeligs have been crucial in our efforts in building relationships with the casino industry,” he added. “This goes hand in hand with our presence in Atlantic City with out Satellite Center at the Carnegie Library Building and with our Hospitality Management Program, Masters in Business Administration degree program, and our numerous internship opportunities with local businesses. We’re proud to have Trump Entertainment Resorts, the Taj Mahal, Mark Juliano and the Seeligs on our team as we move ahead with our plans for our most exciting Spring Benefit to date.” To purchase tickets or to inquire about sponsorships, call the Stockton Spring Benefit Scholarship Office at (609) 652-4658. Stockton Women’s Basketball Team Nationally Ranked; Men off to Great Start
Coach Joe Fussner’s Lady Ospreys’ 11-0 start included a hard-fought 64-49 home win over arch-rival Rowan before suffering a 58-56 heartbreaker at Montclair State and a 71-62 non-league loss at home to DeSales. Prior to the losses, Stockton was ranked 18th in the D3Hoops.com national poll, but they slipped three places to 21st in the Week 7 poll.
On Wednesday, Jan 18, the Lady Ospreys bounced back with authority, with a 72-29 defeat of Ramapo at the Sports Center. Lisa Zak was the leading scorer with 18 points and nine rebounds, and Alicia Morris added 16 points and hauled down 13 boards. Meanwhile, Coach Jerry Matthews’ men’s team was also providing plenty of thrills for its fans. The Ospreys jumped out to an 11-4 record, including a 5-3 mark in the NJAC. Their most recent contest was a thrilling but heartbreaking double overtime 110-106 loss to Ramapo. Miguel Rodriguez led the Ospreys with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Stockton Student Trustee Receives State’s Top Military Award for Service to U.S.
Klimkowski, a resident of Sea Bright, is currently serving on his first term on the Board after winning the student election. Next term he will be the voting member of the Board. A junior majoring in political science with a minor in history, he is considering a career in politics or possibly graduate studies. Klimkowski is a military veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, having served in Southwest Asia in the global war on terrorism. “I’m proud to have served our great nation and the state of New Jersey,” he said. “My prayers and wishes are with those brave men and women currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world. I salute them.” According to the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs, the Distinguished Service Medal was originally issued in 1858 for those who had distinguished themselves in the New Jersey Militia. It was infrequently issued since then until re-authorized by then-Governor Tom Kean in 1988. New Jersey officials were looking for an appropriate way to honor returning combat veterans and to acknowledge the debt the state owed them for their service. Since 1988, more than 10,000 of the medals have been awarded to combat vets from around the state.
|
