On Monday, beginning the inauguration week of Stockton University’s sixth president, Dr. Joe Bertolino,
I was among the arts and culture professionals invited to participate in the Summit at Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus as Commencement Week began Monday.
All of this was 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 welcomed with a morning jazz reception and mini dance recital by students.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center President John Schreiber, left, was the keynote speaker at the Arts and Culture Summit, created this year by incoming Stockton President Joe Bertolino.President Joe addressed the talented crowd, which 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, president and CEO of the New Jersey Center for the Performing Arts.
“As a leading institution in Atlantic City, Stockton University is dedicated to community engagement and recognizes the opportunities that support the arts brings,” Bertonlino told a group of about 150 local and state arts representatives at the John. F. Scarpa Academic Center in Atlantic City. “We know that 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 and Humanities. Panelists included Art Pride NJ CEO Adam Pearl, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino President George Goldhoff, Professor Wendell White and State of the Arts Producer Susan Wallner.
After the Q&A with the panelists, attendees chose from breakout sessions where meaningful conversations took place on topics such as citizenship, healing, funding and, of course, education.
The day ended with a lively, youth-led, docent-led tour of some of the city’s nearly 100 murals against the backdrop of the solar eclipse. Big shout out to our driver Frank Bechtel — aka Jitney Guy — for the fitting eclipse playlist. Production value for the win.
The day ended with a docent-led tour of some of the city’s nearly 100 murals.Michelle Tomko
It was refreshing to interact in a relaxed atmosphere, free of deadlines, emails and grant applications, with colleagues from across the state. Clearly, Stockton believes in the transformative power of the arts and the need to fund them.
How can you support arts and culture in the area?
You can start at the locations on the Stockton University campuses, attend free events and pick up PAC season tickets.
Arts and culture are far from a new concept at Stockton University.
Her Kramer Hall in Hammonton boasts a beautiful art gallery and hosts programs each month in conjunction with Hammonton’s Third Thursday event series. Local artists regularly showcase both their work and teaching talent in Kramer Hall.
I have attended several community events at the Fannie Lou Hamer Event Hall on the Atlantic City Campus, as well as workshops and performances at the Campus Center Theater on the Galloway Campus.
But the crown jewel of the Stockton family of venues is the Performing Arts Center on the Galloway campus.
If you want to take a break from traveling to the casinos of Philadelphia, New York or Atlantic City to see professional touring companies, local productions and celebrity dinners, this venue – in its 48th year – is the place to go in the county Atlantic.
The uniquely intimate theater with steeply angled rows of 550 seats gives theatergoers clear visibility, excellent sound and easy access.
Plays, music and stars like Kathleen Turner entertained and educated local audiences.
Modest ticket prices, free parking and a ticket package you can create yourself add to the PAC’s personal touch. Not to mention the safety of a college campus, as opposed to the stressful hustle and bustle of downtown.
See the full schedule of upcoming events.
When you put together a ticket package of multiple events, you’ll get a 10 percent discount! Look for other discounts for seniors, children, students, faculty and alumni. Several casual restaurants surround the campus if you want to make the evening complete.
Are you ready to spring through?
One suggestion is to see Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo at 7:30pm on April 26 before they head to the Philly and Brooklyn legs of the 2024 tour.
It’s not all about the margaritas, folks!
Puebla was created by New York company co-founder Alberto López Herrera, who was born in Puebla, Mexico. Calpulli Mexican Dance Company has been performing since 2003.
This historically significant, misconception-correcting 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’s always something going on. Mark your calendar and get involved. And as always, support your local artists.
