Stockton President Named Educator of the Year

President Herman J. Saatkamp joined an exclusive group of people who have been named Educator of the Year by the Research and Development Council of New Jersey, the college announced Monday afternoon, Sept. 19.

The council will honor Saatkamp during its 32nd annual Thomas Alva Edison Patent Awards Dinner on Nov. 10 at the Liberty Science Center in Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Saatkamp joins Princeton University President Shirley Tilghman, in 2003, and Merck Institute of Science Education Executive Director Dr. Carlo Parravano, in 2010, as the only recipients of the award.

On the same night, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen will receive the Chairman’s Award for his work in keeping science and technology a national priority, and Merck inventors Dr. Ann Weber and Nancy Thornberry, developers of the landmark diabetes medication, Januvia, will be co-recipients of the council’s Science and Technology Medal.

More than 40 inventors will also recieve Thomas A. Edison Patent Awards that night.

There will be an IMAX film presentation featuring all the honorees.

“Some of the most innovative R&D in the world is done right here in New Jersey. The Council is proud not only to celebrate our foremost scientists, but to bring their work to life on the big screen so every New Jerseyan can see the faces of those who are changing our world,” R & D Council President Anthony Cicatiello said.

“New Jersey has always been a world leader in research and development, leading to numerous improvements for humankind," said Saatkamp, who the council said they selected for shaping educational programs and outreach to bring together industries and communities and build on the strength of the region’s economy.”

"It is gratifying to see the research community recognize the many remarkable things happening here in our home state,” Saatkamp said.

Saatkamp served as president of the NextGen Aviation and Tech Park, which is currently under construction near the Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township. He is also responsible for bringing new centers to Hammonton and Atlantic City and supporting the arts via alliances with the and in Atlantic City.

“Stockton has an obligation to serve as a community partner and to leverage our resources for the greater good,” Saatkamp said.

The Research and Development Council of New Jersey is a nonprofit group focused on helping to advance research and development throughout the state. It is made up of senior representatives from industry, academia and government, and many council members represent Fortune 500 companies.

For more information, visit rdnj.org. To purchase tickets for the dinner, contact the council at 973-643-2118.