Stockton University is betting on arts and culture

On Monday, at the start of the inauguration week of Stockton University’s sixth president, Dr. Joe Bertolino, 

I was among the arts and culture professionals invited to take part in a summit Stockton University's Atlantic City Campus, as inauguration week began Monday.

It was all leading up to the official swearing in of the school's sixth president, Dr. Joe Bertolino. 

The curated guest list of performers, artists, organization leaders, artistic directors, influencers and local dignitaries were treated to a morning jazz reception and a mini dance recital from students. 

 N.J. Performing Arts Center President John Schreiber, left, was the keynote speaker at the Arts and Cultural Summit, created this year by incoming Stockton President Joe Bertolino.
 

President Joe spoke to the talented crowd that was followed by a keynote address from John Schreiber, president of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

The summit was designed around the theme of his inauguration – “building a community of opportunity.”

Performances by Stockton student musicians and a group of student dancers kicked off the event before a keynote address by John Schreiber, the president and CEO of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

“As an Anchor Institution in Atlantic City, Stockton University is dedicated to community engagement and recognizes the opportunities that supporting the arts brings,” Bertonlino said before a group of about 150 local and state arts representatives at the John. F. Scarpa Academic Center in Atlantic City. “We know the arts and cultural expression have the potential to bridge real and imagined divides in our neighborhoods and around the world.”

Next on the agenda was a plenary panel moderated by Dr. Ian Marshall, dean of the School of Arts & Humanities. Panelists were Art Pride NJ CEO Adam Perle, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino President George Goldhoff, Professor Wendel White and producer of State of the Arts, Susan Wallner. 

After the Q-and-A with panelists, attendees chose from breakout sessions where meaningful conversations took place on topics of citizenship, healing, funding and, of course, education.

The day ended with a spirited, youthful, docent-led jitney tour of some of the city’s nearly 100 murals in the backdrop of the solar eclipse. A big shout out to our driver Frank Becktel — aka Jitney Guy — for the apt eclipse playlist. Production value for the win.

 The day ended with a docent-led jitney tour of some of the city’s nearly 100 murals.
 Michelle Tomko  

It was refreshing to network in a relaxed atmosphere free from deadlines, emails and grant applications with colleagues from around the state. It’s clear that Stockton is a believer in the transformative power of the arts and the necessity of its funding.

How can you support the arts and culture in the area? 

You can start at the venues at the Stockton University campuses, attending free events and get season tickets to the PAC.

Arts and culture is far from a new concept at Stockton University. 

Its Kramer Hall in Hammonton boasts a beautiful art gallery and hosts programming every month in conjunction with Hammonton’s Third Thursday string of events. Local artists showcase both their work and teaching talents regularly at Kramer Hall.

I have attended several community events in the Atlantic City Campus’ Fannie Lou Hamer event room, as well as seminars and performances in the Campus Center Theatre at the Galloway Campus.

But the crown jewel of venues in the Stockton family is the Performing Arts Center on the Galloway campus. 

If you want to take a break from traveling to Philadelphia, New York or Atlantic City casinos to see professional touring companies, local productions and evenings with celebrities, this venue — in its 48th year — is the place to go in Atlantic County.

The uniquely intimate theater with severely raked rows of 550 seats gives theater-goers clear sightlines, excellent sound and ease of accessibility. 

Plays, music and stars like Kathleen Turner have entertained and educated local audiences. 

Modest ticket prices, free parking, and a build-your-own ticket package add to the personal touch of the PAC. Not to mention the safety of a college campus as opposed to the stressful hustle and bustle of a downtown.

Check out the full schedule of upcoming events. 

When you build a ticket package of multiple events, you’ll get 10 percent off! Look for other discount for seniors, children, students, faculty and alums. Several casual restaurants surround the campus if you want to make it a full evening.

Ready to step into spring? 

 

One suggestion is catching Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo by the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company at 7:30 p.m. April 26, before they head off to the Philly and Brooklyn legs of the 2024 tour. 

It ain’t all about the margaritas folks! 

Puebla, was created by the NYC company’s co-Founder Alberto Lopez Herrera who was born in Puebla, Mexico. Calpulli Mexican Dance Company has been performing since 2003. 

This historically relevant, misconception-fixing recital will captivate you with movement and bright costume. The word calpulli is Aztec for “big house,” “clan” or “family.” Don’t miss this chance to be part of the family.

Stockton is doing fantastic things when it comes to our culture. From professionals to student performers, there is always something happening. Mark you calendar and get involved. And as always, support your local artists.