After decades of service, Craig Stambaugh, a familiar face at Stockton University, bids farewell to his role as an advisor to The Argo and Assistant Vice President Engagement and Community Development.

Stambaugh, who has been an integral part of the Stockton community for 33 years, reflected on his journey and the significant changes he’s witnessed during his tenure.

In an interview with The Argo, Stambaugh shared his sentiments about retiring. “It’s been quite a career,” he remarked, “with a lot of changes.” From the physical transformation of the campus to the growth in academic programs and student enrollment, Stambaugh has been a witness to Stockton’s evolution.

“When I started here, we had the two original residence halls and one original apartment complex,” Stambaugh said. “Now we have three apartment complexes across campus, multiple academic centers, and a sports center that was not even present when I started.”

Stambaugh’s journey at Stockton has been marked by diverse roles, including stints in housing, the College Center, and the Dean of Students Office before assuming the role of Assistant Vice President in 2018. However, it was his involvement with commencement ceremonies that held a special place in his heart.

“As the director of the College Center, I became directly involved with commencement ceremonies in 2002,” Stambaugh said. “It’s been one of my favorite roles throughout my years of administration. Commencement represents the culmination of our students’ hard work and achievements.”

Reflecting on the changes in commencement venues over the years, Stambaugh shared anecdotes of outdoor ceremonies battling the elements before moving indoors with the opening of the Sports Center in 2001 then the move to Boardwalk Hall in 2017 

Beyond his administrative roles, Stambaugh’s tenure also included significant contributions to student media. From 2002 to 2016, he served as an advisor to the Argo, and returned to the role in 2022 after a brief hiatus.

“Working with The Argo has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career,” Stambaugh said. “It’s more than just a newspaper; it’s a voice for students, an archive of campus life, and a self-run business by students.”

As Stambaugh bids farewell to Stockton, he expresses gratitude for the relationships forged with students and colleagues over the years. “I’ll miss the students, especially the student leaders, and my colleagues,” he remarked. “But retirement opens up new opportunities for spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, and perhaps a bit of travel.”

In closing, Stambaugh extended his best wishes to his colleagues, confident in their continued dedication to Stockton’s mission.