Stockton News - Nov. 7, 2025 - University Relations & Marketing

Stockton News - Nov. 7, 2025

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

New Endowment Honors Life of Former Volleyball Coach

Family and friends of a former Stockton coach honored his legacy by establishing the Eric Illjes Memorial Endowed Scholarship this week.

Illjes was instrumental in building the Stockton women’s volleyball program, first as an assistant coach from 1993-1999, then as head coach until 2005, shepherding the team to its first NCAA tournament in 1999 and first tournament victory in 2000.

The $30,000 endowment was supported by Illjes’ niece Jennifer Illjes and her husband, Jerry Hall, his brother and sister-in-law Theodore and Carolyn Illjes, and longtime assistant coach and friend Greg Langan.

“His life was guided by the principle of service, whether to his country, his community, his students, or those in need around the world. This scholarship supports Stockton students who embody Eric’s dedication to excellence, resilience and service, ensuring his spirit continues to inspire future generations,” said Dan Nugent, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Stockton University Foundation.

National Publication Names Stockton Top Veteran Friendly School

Growing up in Pleasantville, Jose Morales, pictured left, had always heard great things about Stockton University.

But there was one main reason why he decided to enroll in the university after spending 10 years in the Army National Guard.

“What really sealed the deal was how veteran-friendly the campus is,” said the Business Administration major. “From the first time I visited, I felt welcomed and supported.”

U.S. Veterans Magazine rewarded that level of support this week as it named Stockton a Top Veteran Friendly School. The latest award adds to the university’s distinguished list of recognitions for its exemplary outreach to military veterans through its Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC).

“We are deeply honored that Stockton University has been recognized as a Top Veteran Friendly School by U.S. Veterans Magazine,” said Michael Barany, director of the MVSC. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring every student who has served our nation receives the support, respect and opportunities they have earned. Our mission is to help veterans, service members and their families thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.”

Panel Discussion Offers Lessons, Guidance on Being First-Generation

“We have the opportunity to be trailblazers, make history and leave a legacy, so while it may be challenging at times, being first generation is in fact a distinction, not a deficit.”

Jovin Fernandez, director of the Stockton University Multicultural Center, provided encouragement and reflection as a former first-generation student as part of a panel discussion on Nov. 3, kicking off Stockton’s celebration of National First-Generation Week.

She spoke about how envisioning the future has been her biggest motivator in pursuing success.

“For me, it’s all about my future family and breaking generational curses,” Fernandez said. “Also, I knew while in college that I was going to work with youth, so when I thought about the people I was going to serve in the future, I realized I couldn’t ask them to do hard things if I wasn’t embodying the same journey.”

STOCKTON UNIVERSITY ATLANTIC CITY

Nominations Sought: Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree and Presidential Medal Recipients

Each spring, Commencement marks one of the most joyful and meaningful traditions in the life of our university, a celebration of determination, achievement and the journeys our students have taken to soar higher.

As we look ahead to the 2026 Commencement, President Joe Bertolino invites you to help shape this special day by submitting nominations for our Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree recipients and the Presidential Medal of Distinction.

Nominations are due by Dec. 12, and can be submitted on the Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree & Presidential Medal Nomination website. These honors recognize individuals who reflect Stockton’s mission, inspire our students and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

SPOTLIGHT ON:

OGE Attends Biregional NAFSA Conference; Strelczyk Earns Regional Award

The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) attended the 2025 Biregional NAFSA Conference held Oct. 14–17 in Philadelphia. Team members Patricia Sagasti Suppes, Diana Strelczyk, Matthew Birch and Jocelyn Gray participated in sessions and networking opportunities with international education professionals across the region and around the world.

Strelczyk, assistant director of Education Abroad at Stockton, was recognized with the Region X Rising Professional Award. The honor is presented to NAFSA members who have worked in international education for fewer than five years, have demonstrated commitment through professional or volunteer activities, and are active in regional or national NAFSA initiatives.

WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU

LinkedIn: Leaders and innovators have something in common. They organize teams, ideas, creativity and resources to make a positive impact. Equip yourself with the skills to advance your career by enrolling in Stockton University's Ed.D in Organizational Leadership.

Facebook: Congratulations to all of the future Ospreys receiving their Stockton University acceptance at our fall Instant Decision Days this week.

Instagram: 👋 Ospreys, we want to hear your best advice for success this semester. Share your ideas.

Your favorite lake's online... have you given @lakefred1969 a follow yet? 👀

FROM THE SIDELINES

Stockton Sweeps Ramapo for 13th Straight Win

The volleyball team began the last week of the regular season with a 25-18, 25-20, 25-12 sweep of Ramapo College on Nov. 4 for its 13th consecutive win. With the victory, the Ospreys reached the 20-win mark for the 20th time in the last 22 full seasons.

Kate Louer led Stockton with a match-high 15 kills and a .433 hitting percentage plus seven digs. Olivia Magro added six kills and a .400 hitting percentage to the offense.

Kristen Burton dished 19 assists, tying her second highest total of the season. Regan Mendick dealt 12 assists.

McKenna Ritchie led the back row with eight digs while Lauren Sommer served a match-high five aces and added three digs.

The Ospreys broke open the first set with six unanswered points that brought them to set point at 24-16. Louer had two of her four kills during the run.

Stockton will continue its three-match homestand today, Nov. 7, when they host Salisbury at 6 p.m.

Men’s, Women’s Soccer Players Collect NJAC Honors

The fall of 2025 proved a banner season for Stockton University soccer, as both the men’s and women’s squads earned postseason conference accolades.

On the men’s side, the Ospreys posted a 10‑4‑5 mark and secured the No. 2 seed in the NJAC Tournament, highlighted by two major awards and eight all‑conference selections. Senior midfielder Uche Wokocha was crowned NJAC Midfielder of the Year, the first Osprey to receive the honor, anchoring his third straight all‑conference nod. Head coach Greg Ruttler and his staff claimed NJAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors as well.

Wokocha and junior forward Ernst Louisius made the NJAC First Team; seniorsAiden Hoenisch and Dawson Joseph were Second Team selects; and defenders Nico Calambas, Noah Jones, Kieran Sundermann and goalkeeper Kyle Birmingham earned Honorable Mentions. The defense posted a 0.84 goals‑against average and seven shutouts.

On the women’s side, the Ospreys concluded their campaign at 7‑6‑7 and captured an NJAC Tournament berth while seeing five players honored. Seniors Logan Shaw and junior Makayla Jaffe were named to the NJAC Second Team, with Shaw leading the squad in scoring despite missing five games due to injury. Senior defender Riley Schoka, junior Kylee Reissek and sophomore Amelia Shappell earned Honorable Mention honors while anchoring a defense that notched five shutouts and allowed just 1.26 goals per game.

🦅 For more athletics news and upcoming game information, visit here.🦅

OSPREY NOTES

Wear Stockton Wednesday

Don't forget: Show your spirit by wearing Stockton apparel every Wednesday during the semester!

Nominations Open for Annual Community Engagement Awards

The MLK Day of Service Planning Committee is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 22nd Annual Community Engagement Awards. These awards celebrate members of the Stockton community who demonstrate outstanding commitment to service and civic engagement.

For 2025, three honorees will be recognized in the following categories: One Undergraduate Student, One Graduate Student and One Student Club or Organization.

All Stockton students, faculty and staff are invited to submit nominations for individuals or groups who have made meaningful contributions through volunteerism or community-based initiatives during the past year. Faculty and staff nominees should have performed this service outside the scope of their regular job responsibilities. Please note that individual self-nominations are not permitted, though clubs and organizations may self-nominate.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, can be made here. Award recipients will be honored at the MLK Day of Service Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

For questions, contact Trish Collins at patricia.collins@stockton.edu or Shawn Cooper at shawn.cooper@stockton.edu.

It’s FAFSA time!

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available now at fafsa.gov.

The FAFSA is a student’s application for all federal, state and institutional need-based financial aid programs. All students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA each year.

Please encourage your students to file their 2026-2027 FAFSA early to avoid missing any deadlines! Learn more at stockton.edu/fafsa.

Students who identify as an NJ Dreamer will not complete the FAFSA. They will complete the NJ Alternative Application for Financial Aid at hesaa.org.

Financial Aid is here to help. Anyone who needs assistance with their application for financial aid can schedule a FAFSA Completion appointment with our office. Appointments are offered on Fridays and select Wednesdays throughout the fall and spring semesters. Students can make an appointment for the fall at stockton.edu/contactfinaid.

🥧 Foodie Friday: Pie Season is Here!

November kicks off peak pie season. Whether you’re a pumpkin purist, an apple enthusiast, or go rogue with pecan, it’s officially time to preheat the oven.

👉 Check out 23 easy pie recipes for sweet inspiration.

POLLING ALL OSPREYS

🍂⏰Last week’s Daylight Saving poll showed that Ospreys are over this time-warp tradition—82.4% voted to retire it for good! Only 17.6% said they’ll gladly take that bonus hour of sleep, and not a single vote came in for needing the sunshine fix.