On Thursday, November 16, 2023, Stockton University held its 39th Annual Student, Faculty, and Staff Dinner in the Campus Center Event Room at 5:00 p.m. Chief Operating Officer for the Atlantic City Campus and Master of Ceremonies, Brian K. Jackson, started the event by paying tribute to some of the founders of the dinner: Dr. Yitzhak Sharon, Dr. Vera King Farris, and Gail Hirsch Rosenthal. Jackson described the dinner as an annual tradition at Stockton which is held before the holidays as an opportunity for the University community to break bread together while reflecting on the successes of the year and putting aside personal differences and beliefs.

Student Senator Vlad Vasylyk gave the welcome remarks and emphasized how important the dinner is in bringing the community together every November. Samantha Bell, President of Hillel & Vice President of the Campus Religious Council expressed her appreciation for staff and faculty members in attendance. In her words, “we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of educators who put student success first.”

President Joe Bertolino, while giving his remarks, shared how excited he felt when he was invited by Samantha Bell. He also asked for a moment of silence in honor of some of Stockton’s departed faculty and staff members, particularly Gail Rosenthal, the late director of Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center who recently passed away. Bertolino said, “I am thankful for a lot of things like the people I love, the opportunity to be serving and leading my mother’s alma mater, and the opportunity to spend time with all of you.”

Thereafter, awards were presented after dinner prepared by Chartwells and a musical performance of the song “Unwritten” by Criminal Justice major Kayla Ritter. Vasylyk presented the Faculty Member of the Year award to Prof. Steven Kalman, associate professor of Chemistry, while Bell presented the Staff Member of the Year award to Marques Johnson, Associate Dean of Students. Dr. Craig Stambaugh, Assistant Vice President of Engagement and Community Development, gave the Harvey Kesselman Community Impact Award to Ariel Graziano.

Kalman, speaking to Argo, said, “I enjoy teaching and I never expected to be recognized for it. I am happy to make an impact in the lives of the students.” In the same vein, Johnson said, “we are here because of the students, and it is always a pleasure to offer support to these students…especially when they need it.”

“I am happy to be recognized for my contributions to the Stockton community and I am inspired to do more,” Bell said when asked about her experience with the Student, Staff, and Faculty Dinner.