ATLANTIC CITY — A $2 million donation to create full scholarships will not only benefit science and technology students coming to Stockton University, but could establish a more focused academic identity tor the university’s Atlantic City campus.

The announcement was made at a campus event that brought together university leadership,
students, faculty, donors, and community partners. The initiative aligns closely with Stockton’s
long-term strategic plan for the Atlantic City campus.

A Stockton University press release states, “The Levine and Gormley families, long-time Atlantic County residents and community leaders, have a deep history of civic engagement and philanthropy in the region.” This particular donation is intended to enhance STEM education and facilities at Stockton’s Atlantic City Campus.

Since opening in 2018, the Atlantic City campus has offered a distinctive urban and coastal
environment, but university planning documents have noted that it was not originally built
around a specific academic focus. That lack of definition has led to challenges in resource
allocation, student engagement and campus identity.

“I think sometimes it [living on Atlantic City Campus] feels a little isolating because most events
happen on the main campus,” said sophomore health science major Korrine Scott.
Senior political science major Alivia O’Neill agreed with these concerns, saying, “As
much as ResLife and Student Development tries to push events and organizations to come out to A.C., unfortunately the campus here isn’t sustainable to support consistent events or even general club meetings, making it more difficult for A.C. students to have access to the same clubs residents at Galloway do.”

Some Stockton students have resisted taking classes in Atlantic City, leaving some to question whether the Scarpa Academic Center building could be used more fully.

University leaders said this new investment is part of a broader effort to address those issues
head-on. The strategic plan calls for Stockton to “center [the] existing AC Campus around [a] cohesive academic identity” and establish it as a flagship location for programs connected to business, health care, and technology—fields closely tied to workforce development and regional needs.

Provost Dr. Michael Palladino emphasized both the excitement and the long-term potential of the partnership proposed by a key component of the initiative: building pathways for high achieving students through partnerships with local institutions like Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT).

Palladino described ACIT as a place that is “doing some extraordinary things… with some students who are really extraordinary and really meet the Stockton mission.” He explained that the goal is to create a clear academic pathway that could begin in high school and extend through undergraduate study and even into graduate programs at Stockton.

University President Joseph Bertolino framed the initiative within Stockton’s broader educational mission. He emphasized that STEM education is not just about technical skills, but about adaptability and critical thinking. “Teaching our students how to think, how to think critically, how to be innovative,” Bertolino said. “How to ask critical questions is key to their success. Ultimately, we hope to teach students how to reinvent themselves over and over again. And it helps when they understand science, because science and math, tend to be a constant.”

For city and state leaders, the investment represents more than an academic milestone. Senator
Gormley described the project’s broader impact, saying, “And this block is gonna be a mark of
excellence for this city.” The comment reflects Stockton’s increasing visibility in Atlantic City
and its role in connecting education, workforce development, and economic growth, officials
said.

The initiative also honors the civic contributions of its supporters. At the event, Lee Levine was
recognized for his long-standing commitment to the city and its institutions. A speaker noted
that “Lee Levin has exemplified civic leadership through his support of so many important
causes, his love for Atlantic City, and a distinguished legal career.”

As Stockton continues to refine the purpose of its Atlantic City campus, university officials see
the STEM initiative as both a catalyst and a signal of what’s to come. By pairing strategic
planning with targeted investment and community partnerships, Stockton aims to transform the campus into a clearly defined academic destination that prepares students for careers, and leaves a lasting mark on Atlantic City.