Stockton University’s Campus Center will undergo a botanical transformation this spring as the annual Foundation Scholarship Benefit Gala returns to its Galloway roots. Scheduled for April 18, at 6:30 p.m., the “Garden Affair” themed event aims to build upon a 40-year legacy of student support.
Since its inception, the Gala has raised more than $5 million for the Benefit Gala Endowed Scholarship Fund. These funds are critical in removing financial barriers, ensuring that Stockton students have continued access to higher education and leadership opportunities.
Moving away from traditional ballroom seating, this year’s Gala features a “strolling reception” designed to showcase the diversity of the Stockton experience across three distinct environments:
- The Grand Hall (A Garden Affair): The heart of the Campus Center will be reimagined as a garden, featuring a string quartet, a curated raw bar and charcuterie and an exclusive auction.
- The Main Stage (Energized Performances): The Event Room will shift the tempo with a live DJ, surprise musical performances, a dance floor and a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
- The Art & Music Café (An Intimate Evening): Located in the Campus Center Coffeehouse, this space offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can browse student artwork and enjoy live performances alongside a full buffet and carving stations.
“This event is meant to honor [the community’s] generosity and invites our philanthropic partners to experience the campus and meet the students they help support,” Dan Nugent, executive director of the Stockton Foundation said.
The Gala’s success is bolstered by heavy-hitting regional partners. Niklas Rytterstrom, president & COO of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, emphasized the importance of this investment. “It is both an honor and a privilege for Borgata to continue investing in Stockton’s mission and supporting the future of its students each year,” Rytterstrom said.
Top sponsors for the 2026 event include:
- Atlantic City Electric & ACUA
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
- Ocean Casino Resort
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Various regional labor unions and legal firms
