Written by Emma Desiderio

Stockton opened the new Phase II residence hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiled the renamed Phase I building, Kesselman Hall, on Wednesday.

“Today represents another incredible milestone on this exciting journey,” said President Harvey Kesselman at the ribbon-cutting.

The six-story Phase II building, located across the street from the rest of the campus at 3550 Atlantic Ave, will house over 400 students in apartment-style rooms complete with full kitchens. Other features include lounges, a computer lab, and an outdoor courtyard.

“Let’s remember April 20, 2017, when hundreds of us gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Stockton Atlantic City Phase I. That day represented a new era for the university and the city. We knew it was only the beginning,” Kesselman said.

Kesselman acknowledged the “incredible partnership” between Stockton, Atlantic City, Atlantic County, the state, and Atlantic City Development Corporation (AC Devco).

New Jersey State Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald said that Stockton has helped turn Atlantic City from a “gaming city to a city with gaming.”

“The most impressive things were residents who have come forward to say that Stockton has transformed the community,” Greenwald said.

Senator Vincent Polistina, AC Devco chairman Dr. Jon Hanson, Dennis Levison, and Board of Trustees chair Ray Ciccone all offered congratulations to both Kesselman and Stockton and emphasized the importance of Stockton’s presence in Atlantic City.

“Stockton is an important institution in a renaissance in the great city of Atlantic City,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small.

Following the ceremony, the residence hall opened for informal and guided tours through the first floor.

Earlier in the day, new Kesselman Hall signs were unveiled on the Phase I residential building.

“Today’s unveiling is not only a personal honor, but also a reflection of the strong partnership between Stockton and Atlantic City,” Kesselman said. “To have my name associated with both is the most beautiful tribute I could ever imagine.”

Dan Nugent, Vice President for University Advancement & Executive Director of the University Foundation, began the program with opening remarks. Student Senate President Brianna Bracey, Dr. Mary Lou Galantino, and Ray Ciccone all spoke briefly on Kesselman’s accomplishments at Stockton.

“I can’t think of anyone who has contributed more to Stockton than President Kesselman,” Ciccone said.

Kesselman discussed his history in Atlantic City, including his childhood vacations and being a member of Stockton’s first class in 1971. He led the development and expansion of Stockton’s Atlantic City campus, which opened in 2018. He will retire in June after eight years as president.

“His legacy is all of us, the successes that we achieve and the memories we make at Stockton,” said Student Senate President Brianna Bracey following the dedication.