Stockton’s Lake Pam Has Criminally Underutilized Trails

by Dominick Tarangelo

Stockton University is built on a 1600-acre plot on land in the middle of the Pinelands National Reserve, in Galloway Township, New Jersey. 

Stockton has many miles of trails located throughout the campus. Recently, one reporter went walking with a couple friends on the trials on the west side of campus. Most students know of the trails around Lake Fred, but do they know about the ones to Lake Pam? 

Located to the east of Vera King Farris Drive, Lake Pam is right next to the New Jersey Parkway Southbound lanes. Stockton University keeps the trials in immaculate condition. When the reporter recently went to visit, it was only a couple days after the Nor'easter hit, and there were broken branches all around the campus. When they later went to visit the Lake, there were no branches blocking in sight. 

However, if you are looking for a map of the trails, it is near impossible. There is no new map on the website that this reporter could find. The best map to be found is from 2011, and only has the trails outlined on the east side of campus leading to Lake Pam. As this reporter was walking the trails, they ran into a fellow student and asked him if he knew where they could get a map of the trails; all he said was “If you find one let me know,” and continued on his run. 

Despite those downsides, the one outstanding part about these trails are the signage. There are signs on all the trails, letting you know what path you’re taking, and also what wildlife you could possibly see on that specific trail. 

Hopefully, once the weather gets warmer, the university will advertise the trails, and anyone can go for walk around the campus and explore new places. Since we are located in a National Reserve please be aware for wildlife and pick up any trash that you see to keep the trails to keep Lake Pam staying beautiful.

Stockton 1st Annual Lavender Graduation

For the first time on May 7th, Stockton University will be joining over 160 universities in hosting the Lavender Pinning Ceremony. Laurie Dutton, Director of the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Center and member of the Lavender Graduation Committee, detailed what the event is, “The Lavender Pinning Ceremony is based on the Human Rights Campaign, Lavender Graduation that is done by a number of schools. It is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally students, and to acknowledge their contribution to the university.”


While this is a first at Stockton, the origins of this ceremony dates back to 1995. The first Lavender Graduation Ceremony was pioneered by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian. She was denied the ability to attend the graduations of her own biological children, because of her sexual orientation. Dutton added, “It was from that experience that she came to understand the pain felt by her students”. This, plus encouragement from the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, lead to Dr. Sanlo creating the first Ceremony, involving three graduates at the University of Michigan. “The reason why it is lavender is that it is a combination of blue and pink, so the middle ground is lavender” Dutton detailed. Lavender has always been a significant color to LGBTQ history, dating back to Nazi Germany, where gay men were forced to wear pink triangles in concentration camps, and lesbians had to wear black triangles as political prisoners.


When asked about the significance of bringing the event to Stockton, Dutton detailed the impact she hopes this will make. “I think it’s needed, I don’t think we do enough to acknowledge the LGBT students here on campus” Dutton commented, adding “we can always do more”. Last year, Stockton answered a survey called the Campus Pride Index, receiving a 3.5 out of 5 stars on it. Discussing the score and results, Dutton went on to say, “First time around, it’s not too bad, and it answers how we take care of LGBT students regarding residential life and the missions, wellness, and counseling. When we received the feedback one of the things we saw we can make better is in the field of academics and recognizing our LGBT students.” To participate in this ceremony, you only have to be LGBT or an ally. “It’s really just a way to honor and acknowledge our LGBT students and allies” Dutton stated, going on to describe the reasoning of the pin. “The reason why we choose a pin instead of a lavender cord is for a couple of reasons, one being that the cord falls more under like an academic type program, and that not what this is. This is really something under Academic Affairs. The pin, you can come back to Stockton events and where it proudly.” Dutton has high hopes for this ceremony saying, “What we hope to get back is that our LGBT graduates feel like ‘hey, Stockton was an amazing place’ and that they want to give back to Stockton in different ways that can impact the LGBT community here on campus and the WGSC.” Furthermore adding, “We hope to eventually have an LGBT alumni conference that everybody can return to.”





Currently, there are 11 graduates signed up to participate in the first annual Lavender Pinning Ceremony. They are still accepting and encouraging Stockton LGBTQIA+ alumni new and old to participate and be recognized. A link to the application form can be found on The Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Center at Stockton University Facebook page.

Stockton's “Fast Food” Philosophy Leaves Students Starving

By Michael Donne

Eating healthy is never an easy time for anyone. Money, time, and availability are hurdles healthy eaters. Unfortunately, being at Stockton University, especially as a freshmen makes this infuriatingly difficult. With a lack of a kitchen in living space, what Stockton serves is what you get, junk food galore, and healthy items few and far between. However, when a person's diet is limited, whether by health conditions, choice, or religion, choices become even more scarce.

Kelly Amendola, a freshman vegetarian living on campus, a group Stockton struggles to support. For Kelly, the only practical place to get food would be N-Wing, as the food court vegetarian options are scarce. Kelly says some improvements Stockton can make on better food options, “There should be more options in the actual food court rather than just N-wing.” With N-wing not having the best hours, it can be difficult for students to work their schedule around, because only one option is suited for their lifestyle. While these are only inconveniences, people with health conditions have a much rougher time finding food appropriate to eat.

Nicole Mofrad is a freshmen resident at Stockton that has abnormal enzymes in her liver. While normal levels of enzymes in twelve to thirty-two, Nicole has 266. It is unaware what the exact problem is, but the problem only recently came up in December. The only way for Nicole to combat this is working out and healthy eating. However, Stockton's healthy options aren’t good enough, and Nicole puts Stockton's philosophy of serving on why. Nicole Mofrad says, “They don’t put a lot of effort into making it healthy for you,they just wanna feed you and that’s it. Because that's their requirement, they just have to feed you.” Stockto'ns “give and go” mindset sacrifices much of the food quality, leaving much of the meat to appear as if it was heavily processed. The lack of fresh food is one of the biggest problems Nicole has with the food, and putting more money towards fresh food could solve many of the issues. Nicole talks about N-wings produce and says, “You can tell that a lot of the produce that they have there is one, frozen, and two, they leave it out for like a week at a time, its gross.

With Passover underway, the support Stockton has given has been minuscule. The only noticeable change was matzo ball soup being served for one day. Stockton has put the responsibility up to clubs as one of the only places to reliably find food to eat. Brandon Bess, a freshmen resident, discusses the routine he has had to follow to participate, “I’ve mostly been eating in my dorm . . . There’s been nothing special for Passover. While eating right can be an inconvenience for most people, it is a lot harder for other individuals who follow a strict diet. This groups lack of size has left them underrepresented by the University, and a change must be made to cater to all groups.

SSTV: An Underrated Club that Offers a lot for Students

By Luke Miller

At Stockton University, there are many great clubs and organizations to join. There is a variety for any and all majors. One club, in particular, that offers a lot to people, whether if they are a Communication Major or not, is Stockton Student TV. They are a club made to create programming for Stockton Students covering news about the school or events ran by the school. Students are also able to work on their own personal projects. They allow students to rent equipment to work on those projects, as well. This club is a great opportunity for students to learn more about film and TV production.

After speaking with Jackson Boisvert, a freshman at Stockton and member of SSTV, he stated, “ I joined SSTV because I’m interested in doing something TV related when I’m older and I enjoy doing on camera productions. Plus I really wanted to get involved with something communications related as a freshman.” Jackson spoke about a project him and fellow classmate, Colton Van Cleave, started in the Fall 2017 semester, called “The Nest”, which is a weekly news show in which Jackson and Colton cover Stockton events. This project was their idea as well, which SSTV helped execute by providing equipment and support. Jackson also said “If you’re interested in getting involved with the communication program here at Stockton, or you’re interested in film or camera work or even editing, you can find something to do in SSTV.”

Jackson is a great example of finding this opportunity, and now he has began his resume building thanks to SSTV. The club offers a lot to students and if interested in joining, check out their studio on the second floor of the campus center! This club would be great for any student at Stockton, and it is never too late to get involved.

Stockton Off-Campus Shuttle Service

By: Zahirah Pearsall

Stockton's shuttle services are a hot topic for debate among students, staff, and faculty. Hours could be spent arguing about the slowness or the reliability of the shuttles or how they never show up at the times listed on the shuttle service phone app. However, a bigger issue is being missed in this ongoing discussion; should Stockton offer an off-campus shuttle service?

With Stockton opening the doors to the new Atlantic City Campus, the university is offering students transportation to and from the Galloway location to the shore location, but why has there been no shuttle service to other off site locations? Surely, with other beautiful and renovated locations such as Manahawkin and Hammonton, a bus schedule to accommodate students living on campus can be arranged? Many students would like to take advantage of the classes offered offsite without having to worry about forking out a ton of money on gas to get to and from the locations.

Another Off-Campus Service location could be popular places such as Shoprite or the Hamilton Mall. While Stockton does offer several locations where students can go and get hot meals or stock up on non-perishables for the times when everything is closed. Nothing will beat a trip to a full sized super market. "I have my car on campus, but it would still be nice to have the option of not having to use it," Matthew Treadwell, a student, stated, "I'm a typical broke college student, so saving money where I can is always nice."

It is no secret that Stockton is trying its absolute hardest to bring in more students while at the same time retaining the ones that it has. However, fancy new buildings and beach front locations should not be the only way of thinking when it comes to appeasing the current and future students. Having more transportation options is a start on the road to a happier Stockton community.

Galloway Girl Takes On Idol

Galloway Local Makes It On American Idol

By Amanda Genovese

Mara Justine, a 16-year-old Galloway Township resident and High School Sophomore at Absegami High School, first auditioned for American Idol back in October. Her audition aired on national Television this Spring. She made it through Hollywood rounds which is one of the most challenging times for every contestant, then made it to top fifty and battled through the solo rounds. On Monday night, it was final judgement in which the whole world and township of Galloway was going to find out if Mara made it to Top 24, the most suspenseful moment anyone can go through. Her powerful voice has made it thus far in the competition, during solo roundsshe got a standing ovation from the judges. As final judgement approached, the Galloway teenager was awaiting to see if she made it to Top 24, as did the whole Galloway Township community. Was her standing ovation from the judges enough for her to gain a spot in the Top 24?

Mara Justine was just a typical jersey girl that did her homework and enjoyed being down the shore with her family. It was in the hands of the judges to decide on her fate of becoming a star from being just a small town girl. Sure enough, our own Galloway girl made it to the top 24 in which assures her a spot on the Idol Tour.  “It would be pretty cool to see Mara go far in the competition and represent our community, if she makes it to the finals she can come back to hometowns and visit our college and that would be pretty cool.” Stockton freshman, Alaina Rush said. For being so young, her voice is very powerful and talented enough to take her to the finals.  “Seeing a young girl with such an amazing voice make it to Top 24 for sure makes me feel proud to be a part of this community, she represents us well.” Stockton freshman, Alaina Rush stated. Follow Mara Justine’s journey on ABC on Sunday nights and Monday nights.

Stockton University Hosts First Lavender Graduation Celebration

By Jackson Boisvert

For the first time on May 7th, Stockton University will be joining over 160 universities across the country in hosting a Lavender Pinning Ceremony. Laurie Dutton, Director of the Stockton University Women’s Gender and Sexuality Center and member of the Lavender Graduation Committee, detailed what the event is: “The Lavender Pinning Ceremony is based on the Human Rights Campaign, or Lavender Graduation that is done by a number of schools. It is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally students, and to acknowledge their contribution to the university.”

While this is a first at Stockton, the origins of this ceremony dates back to 1995. The first Lavender Graduation Ceremony was pioneered by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian. She was denied the ability to attend the graduations of her own biological children, because of her sexual orientation. Dutton added, “It was from that experience that she came to understand the pain felt by her students.” This experience, in addition to encouragement from the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, lead Dr. Sanlo creating the first Lavender Pinning Ceremony, involving three graduates at the University of Michigan. “The reason why it is lavender is that it is a combination of blue and pink, so the middle ground is lavender,” Dutton stated. Lavender has always been a significant color to LGBTQ history, dating back to Nazi Germany, when gay men were forced to wear pink and lavender triangles in concentration camps, and lesbians wore black triangles as political prisoners.

When asked about the significance of bringing the event to Stockton, Dutton stated the impact she hopes it will make. “I think it’s needed, and I don’t think we do enough to acknowledge the LGBT students here on campus,” she said, adding “we can always do more.”

Last year, Stockton students, faculty and staff answered a survey called the Campus Pride Index, receiving a 3.5 out of 5 stars on it. Dutton said, “For the first time around, it’s not too bad, and it answers how we take care of LGBT students regarding residential life and the missions, wellness, and counseling. When we received the feedback, one of the things we saw we can make better is in the field of academics and recognizing our LGBT students.”

To participate in this ceremony, a student need only be LGBT or an ally. “It’s really just a way to honor and acknowledge our LGBT students and allies,” Dutton stated. “The reason why we choose a pin instead of a lavender cord is for a couple of reasons, one being that the cord falls more under like an academic type program, and that not what this is. This is really something under Student Affairs. The pin, you can come back to Stockton events and where it proudly.” Dutton has high hopes for this ceremony saying, “What we hope to get back is that our LGBT graduates feel like ‘hey, Stockton was an amazing place’ and that they want to give back to Stockton in different ways that can impact the LGBT community here on campus and the WGSC.” She added, “We hope to eventually have an LGBT alumni conference that everybody can return to.”

Currently, there are 11 graduates signed up to participate in the first annual Lavender Pinning Ceremony. They are still accepting and encouraging Stockton LGBTQIA+ alumni new and old to participate and be recognized. A link to the application form can be found on The Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Center at Stockton University Facebook page.