Nearly 200 participants gathered at Renault Winery and Resort to support scholarships, student programs and educational opportunities at Stockton University.
GALLOWAY, N.J. — Nearly 200 community members came together at Renault Winery and Resort in Egg Harbor City to raise $100,000 for Stockton University scholarships and student programs during the Stockton Foundation's annual Golf Classic.
The Sept. 17 tournament brought together golfers, alumni, volunteers and local businesses to support students facing financial barriers and help provide opportunities for academic and professional development.
“The golfers and volunteers who unite to support this event reflect our community's commitment to Stockton students,” said Dan Nugent, Stockton's vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Stockton Foundation. “Their philanthropy empowers our Ospreys to soar higher by eliminating the barriers many students face today.”
Supporting Scholarships and Student Opportunities
Proceeds from the annual Golf Classic benefit scholarships and programs supported by the Stockton Fund, which helps students access educational opportunities beyond the classroom.
Those opportunities include internships, experiential learning programs and other resources designed to support students throughout their college careers.
The Stockton Foundation awards more than $1 million annually in scholarships and provides additional support for university programs and academic initiatives.
This year's $100,000 fundraising total will help continue those efforts.
Golf, Contests and Community Support
The tournament featured competitions for golfers of all skill levels, including men's and women's closest-to-the-pin and longest-drive contests, a tournament championship and a $10,000 hole-in-one challenge.
Members of Stockton's women's golf team also organized a putting contest, with proceeds benefiting the team through the purchase of new equipment and apparel.
Participants also took part in a 50/50 raffle and other fundraising activities throughout the day.
For Stockton alumna Calli Votta, who earned her undergraduate degree in 2021 and a master's degree in social work in 2023, the event offered an opportunity to reconnect with the university while supporting current students.
“It was wonderful to reconnect with the Stockton community, meet and interact with faculty, and see firsthand the continued support and pride that surrounds the university,” Votta said.
“Being able to participate in an event that not only brings alumni and community members together, but also creates opportunities and support for current students, made the day especially meaningful,” she added. “It was a great reminder of how strong the Stockton community is and how important it is to give back to the campus that gave so much to me.”
Local Businesses and Organizations Help Make Event Possible
The Golf Classic received support from businesses, labor organizations and community partners throughout the region.
Sponsors included AtlantiCare, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic County Utilities Authority, Glenn Insurance Inc., Pennoni, Pepsi, Chartwells Higher Education, Highland Resource Group and T.N. Ward Company.
Labor organizations supporting the event included the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Local 255, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351, Iron Workers Local Union 399 and U.A. Local Union 322, Plumbers & Steamfitters.
The annual tournament is one of the Stockton Foundation's fundraising initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education and helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
The Stockton University Foundation Board at the annual Golf Classic at Renault Winery and Resort on Sept. 17. From left, Tim Carew, Gayle Gross, Lori Herndon '92, Dr. Haitham Dib, M.B.A. '15, John Gray, Rick Ricciardi '75, '76, Bonnie Putterman, Esq. '85, Tim Glenn, Ed Marshall '92 and Dan Nugent, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Foundation.
