Nelson Johnson to Deliver Commencement Speech at Stockton Graduation

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Board of Trustees unanimously voted at its meeting Wednesday afternoon to welcome the author of the novel Boardwalk Empire as the commencement speaker at this year’s graduation ceremony.

Nelson Johnson, author of the book that spawned the hit HBO show, will deliver the speech prior to college seniors receiving their degrees on May 7.

The lifelong Hammonton resident recently penned another book about Atlantic City, this one titled The Northside: African Americans and the Creation of Atlantic City.

At its meeting on Wednesday, the board also swore in its newest member, Leo Schoffer, founder of Schoffer Enterprises. The Holocaust Resource Center was recently re-dedicated in honor of his parents, Sara and Sam Schoffer.

During the public comments portion of the meting, Bob Helsabeck, president of the Faculty Senate commented that had had been with Stockton since the early 1970s, and there was always a question of whether the college would stick to its liberal arts upbringing or be designated to university status. Aside from the argument, he emphasized the college’s unique attribute of service to the community.

“One of things that have impressed me about Stockton is the engagement in the community,” Schoeffer said.

The board also discussed budget issues, and the effect Gov. Chris Christie’s Feb. 22 budget address will have on future projects.

After last year’s state budget cuts from the then first-year governor, the college community is hoping for good news.

“We’re hoping for a better time than we had last year,” said Stockton President Herman J. Saatkamp.

During the public question portion, Tim Haresign, president of the Stockton Federation of Teachers, inquired about a $9.7 million surplus listed in the budget. 

Saatkamp noted that Stockton needs to anticipate budget cuts that will be made clearer in the governor’s address on Feb. 22. 

“We have to be prepared to make up for that,” said Saatkamp.

Trustee Emma Byrne recommended that summer tuition be chopped by 15 percent across the board.

In previous summers, Stockton had discounted by a certain percentage depending on the number of credits to attract more students to take summer classes.

There was a short enrollment presentation, which indicated an 8 percent increase in enrollment from last year.

In spring 2010, there were 18 freshmen, 461 transfers and 71 readmits, for a total of 550 new undergraduate students.

This past spring 2011, there were 12 freshmen, 531 transfers and 54 readmits for a total of 597.

It was announced that the Seaview Mariott will reopen at the end of March, and renovations for C and D wing should be completed by September.