The annual Stockton University Foundation Scholarship Benefit Gala brought black tie to the Campus Center this past weekend.

Since its inauguration over 40 years ago, the annual gala serves as one of the primary events for fundraising for student scholarships. Over 200 students receive these scholarships, helping them to continue their education.

On Saturday, April 18, the gala took over the Campus Center with many student-led activities for the donors to enjoy.

Upon entering the Grand Hall, attendees were greeted by a raw bar and artisanal charcuterie, while surrounded by  a garden-themed atmosphere accompanied by live music.

The guests were able to participate in a series of 50/50 raffles for luxury experiences, including 2 tickets to the upcoming World Cup.

Student-led activities included driving underwater vehicles remotely with the Marine Field Station, learning about origami from the School of Education, and enjoying tidbits grown on Stockton’s very own Sustainability Farm. There were also students from the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program guiding dessert and wine pairings.

Students from Stockton’s Digital Studies program were present, showing off the talent behind the annual Game Jam. The Game Jam annually brings together creatives from all aspects of Game Design and gives them a deadline of one week to put together an entire video game from start to finish. Tyler Snyder and Anthony Winks worked on award-winning games at all 3 of the Game Jams to this day. “It’s been really fun and a great way to make connections and learn new skills,” said Snyder. Atendees were able to try out the games themselves.

Loukaia Taylor, a Professional Services Specialist at the university, described her role in the planning process, “Tonight is my first gala as a Communications Specialist for University Advancement. It’s interesting to see the way in which the gala came to be. I got to see the beginning stages.” She went on to describe the feeling of seeing it come to fruition, “My colleagues, being here, seeing the fruit of all their labor is wonderful.” Having heard stories from both scholarship recipients and donors, she felt inspired to make change in students’ lives. 

At the Main Stage, which was located within the Campus Center Event Room, a live DJ performed for a dancing audience. The cuisine for the night was a Mediterranean style spread, which guests were able to enjoy while listening to various musical performances.

The Art & Music Café took the place of  the Campus Center Coffeehouse. Here guests could enjoy live performances and poetry readings. For food, the section offered another of the multiple open bars available, a buffet, and a carving station where guests could enjoy pot roast. The highlight of this section however, was the student artwork display and the interactive mural activity. Professor of Art, Mariana Smith, described the interactive visual art activity, “it’s a mural, every triangle is a tree people can decorate and make a forest around Lake Fred”. All of the student art works on display were available for purchase.

The Gala concluded with an after party at the Sea View Lobby Bar.