Anonymous Donor Gives $1 Million to Stockton Students

The received its largest donation ever this week when an anonymous party donated $1 million to the college's students.

Stockton President Herman J. Saatkamp said in a statement that the donor stressed the donation is to be used to directly support students facing exceptional financial hardships.

Saatkamp said the donation will be placed in the Richard Stockton College Foundation in a permanent endowment to be distributed in perpetuity to support need-based financial aid.

“The donors understand that some students face true personal sacrifice to attend Stockton and in extreme cases must decide between transportation, books and even food,” Saatkamp stated. “The generosity of these donors enables us to help many students and their families on a permanent basis.”

Chief Development Officer Phillip T. Ellmore said the donation pushes the foundation's assets above $14 million.

“The foundation’s assets have grown more than $11 million since 2003,” Ellmore said. “This gift recognizes the momentum of our college and the fine work our students, faculty and staff are doing every day.”

Stockton has seen a bump in individual donations over the past few years, steadily rising from $25,000 to $500,000.

“The donors believe that making a difference in young people’s lives is very important, and their intent is to help students in need to achieve a college education through their gift," Saatkamp said. “This gift provides hope and opportunity to those who previously had neither due to their financial circumstances.”