After two decades at off-campus venues, Stockton University’s premier fundraising event is coming home in 2025.The Stockton University Foundation Scholarship Benefit Gala will be held at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26, in the heart of the Galloway campus at the university’s Campus Center — bringing a new level of excitement and impact.“This is more than a gala, it’s a homecoming,” said President Joe Bertolino. “Returning to campus is a powerful way to honor Stockton’s history, invest in the next generation of students and highlight the beauty and spirit of our university.”Since its inception, the Benefit Gala has raised more than $5 million to support scholarships for Stockton students. The Benefit Gala Endowed Scholarship Fund provides essential financial support for Stockton students, ensuring that future generations have access to a transformative education.“The Foundation Board of Directors decided to bring the gala back to campus as a meaningful way to reconnect with our roots and enhance the impact we can through scholarships,” said Gayle Gross, chair of Special Events. “It’s a reflection of the Board’s commitment to supporting the university’s mission and creating opportunities for deserving students.”Guests will enjoy a top-shelf cocktail reception, featuring carving stations, a raw bar, a pasta station and decadent desserts. Between dancing and dining, guests can capture memories at a photo booth, take a chance on the 50/50 raffle and enjoy interactive experiences with faculty and staff.Guests will engage with student- and faculty-led activities from each academic school, including:Beat the Polygraph Challenge with the School of Social and Behavioral SciencesOsprey Trivia Challenge with the School of EducationChampagne Tasting with Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management studentsEntertainment features dueling piano performances by Shake Rattle & Roll, DJ Ahmed Kahn ’84 keeping the dance floor alive, and student performances by Stockapella and the Stockton String Ensemble.An art gallery featuring the works of students and alumni.“Year after year, we see how the Stockton community comes together at the Benefit Gala to change students’ lives through scholarships,” said Ken Calemmo, chief operating officer of Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law. “We are honored to be a part of this meaningful tradition and continue investing in Stockton’s future.”Top sponsors include International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 351, the Stockton University Foundation Board of Directors, Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law, Dr

Waldis family also announces they will match giving up to $250,000 in effort to help program in honor of lasting impact of longtime assistant coach Michael CoccoSeton Hall baseball alumnus Stephen Waldis and his wife, Stacey Waldis, have made a transformational, seven-figure gift for the Pirate baseball program that will establish the Steve and Stacey Waldis Endowment Fund for Baseball.The endowment will help fund coaches’ salaries, operational costs for the program, and the naming of the Seton Hall bullpen for Michael Cocco ’86, a man synonymous with the program who passed away this past April.Recognizing the positive impact of Cocco and the Seton Hall coaching staff on the student-athlete experience, Steve and Stacey Waldis have also issued a challenge to the baseball community in which they will match gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000 for the Seton Hall baseball program.Pirate fans and baseball alumni who would like to participate in the $250,000 match campaign in honor of Mike Cocco here.“This historic gift from Steve and Stacey will have a profound and lasting impact on our baseball program for years to come,” Seton Hall Athletic Director Bryan Felt said. “In establishing the Steve and Stacey Waldis Endowment, this gift will ensure continued success for Seton Hall baseball student-athletes. Our baseball alumni have always played a critical role in our tradition of excellence in Seton Hall baseball and the challenge match aspect of the Waldis’ endowment will help enhance the transformative nature of this gift.”Seton Hall baseball coach Rob Sheppard said the gift will have great impact.“Steve has always been a tremendous supporter of Seton Hall University baseball and that continues with Steve and Stacey’s endowment, which will help our program immensely,” he said. “It will help us adapt to the evolving landscape in college baseball and contribute to the success of our student-athletes. This endowment is a testament to the enduring commitment and support from our alumni. It is an investment in the future of the baseball program and its continued success for years to come.”Waldis played for the Pirates from 1987-89 and became one of Seton Hall’s most reliable late inning pitchers in his final two seasons