Every fall, the Stockton University Foundation hosts its annual “Ospreys Give:” an event that is held for twenty four hours with the goal of raising money for student scholarships and programs. Last year, in 2023, the Ospreys Give event was able to raise $440,000 from more than 1,100 donors, including a $250,000 gift from Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween. This year, the theme of the event was “24 Hours To Build Futures.” The Foundation, as of now, raised over $420,000 from more than 1,100 donors, which also included a $250,000 gift from Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween for the third year in a row. 

On Tuesday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m., the afternoon’s festivities began with a “Kick-off Party.” Held in the Campus Center Event Room, the Foundation provided free carnival style food, prizes, games, and a photo booth for students, faculty, and staff. The “Talon Taxi” was seen driving around campus throughout the day, giving riders the chance to talk with President Bertolino and win money for their favorite programs and causes. Along with the Talon Taxi, the Foundation presented “Punch Out Prize Boards”, where participants can donate a minimum of $5 to any scholarship or program of their choice in order to receive a prize in the punch number of their choosing. The Punch Out Prize Boards were held in the Campus Center Grand Hall from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday morning.

Also on Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., the Foundation hosted “Cup of Joe with President Joe”, a morning event where guests could enjoy breakfast treats and meet President Bertolino. These activities were just a few of the many interactive free events that honored the spirit of generosity and philanthropy on Stockton’s Galloway and Atlantic City campuses. Come 12 p.m., the Foundation closed off their day of Punch Out Prize Boards, the Talon Taxi, and free food giveaways by hosting a closing celebration which commemorated the twenty four hours of diligent hard work. 

When asked why events like Ospreys Give are essential for students’ success, President Bertolino expressed that, “Ospreys Give provides students with opportunities that they otherwise may not have had. Most of our students come from working class families, most of our students work, most of our students are on some form of financial aid. So every contribution and gift to Ospreys Give helps make a student’s life easier, in order for them to become successful, move toward their degree, move to a great career, and move to a great life.”

Many Stockton students can attest to the fact that scholarships impact the student tremendously. Fall 2022 Engelberg Leadership Scholarship recipient, Dylan Nahn, expressed that, “Scholarships have impacted my life tremendously. I am fortunate enough to not have to worry about most of the costs of college so I can really devote all of my time to my studies.”

The Stockton University Foundation works to change the lives of students and help them get to the finish line. Donations are still being accepted at stockton.edu/give. Learn more about the Stockton University Foundation at stockton.edu/foundation.