The start of the Spring Semester was marked with the beginning of M.L.K. Day of Service, which brought the warmth of generosity and happiness to campus with the annual tradition of giving back to the community. Stockton students and faculty, Stockton alumni, local middle and high schools, and many other community partners from Galloway, Atlantic City, and Hammonton all came together to participate in various projects aiming to help all sorts of members of our local community in Atlantic County. The event opened to a hearty breakfast for all attendees, followed by opening remarks from the hosts of the event.

The event offered projects both on and off-campus at Stockton’s three active locations. They ranged from small, simple projects like making cards to hands-on tasks like cooking, cleaning, and crafting. Many student organizations like Circle K, Light the Candle, Active Minds, and the Honors College hosted activities, as well as off-campus partners like Church by the Bay and the Newman Center.

Stockton’s Fraternity and Sorority Life were also heavily involved in both hosting activities and participating. Students were able to connect with middle and high school students, many of which could potentially be Ospreys themselves in the near future. In the Multicultural Center, attendees made dog beds out of recycled fabrics, as well as recycled dog toys.

President Joe was very involved in the day of service, going to many different projects to help out and participate. He appeared at the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich making event, putting on a pair of disposable gloves and joining a table of students at work.

“Today, we’re not only remembering Dr. King, but we’re here to live his commitment to giving back to the community,” he said in his opening remarks. “We are large enough to influence the region and small enough to know your name and to build personal relationships.” To the first-time attendees, he said, “We hope you will come back and visit us again. Today, the goal is to build community; to show up and give back, and to do whatever we need to do to help make our community better and to make a difference.”

Breanna Vanaman, an alumna of Stockton University, attended the Day of Service this year. She stated, “I have attended MLK Day since when I was completing my degree from 2021-2025. I have decided to continue attending since graduating as well. It is a day that brings [people] to achieve one goal: to help members of the community. I attended two different activities this year: making cards for first responders and decorating bags for the Stockton food pantry. Volunteering and giving back to the community is very important to me. I am proud to say that I am an [alumna] of Stockton, which has held such a powerful event for the last 22 years. Everyone was excited to help out with the varying activities, and when one was finished, they were trying to figure out where to go next.”