More than 800 students received more than $1.3 million in scholarships from the Stockton University Foundation in this academic year. These students had the opportunity to meet and thank the donors who made this funding possible at the university’s annual Scholarship Recognition dinner on Feb. 27.
“Tonight, we celebrate our students — their hard work, their resilience, and their drive to build a better future. We celebrate our donors — their generosity, their belief in education, and their commitment to making a difference,” said Stockton President Joe Bertolino. “Balancing school, work and life is not easy, but your hard work is paying off. Your time at Stockton is more than just an education, it is a transformation.”
Finding the balance between work, home and school has been a challenge for Rubi and Bryanna Ortiz, but Stockton Foundation scholarships have allowed them to both chase their dreams. Rubi Ortiz is a Finance major with a minor in Cannabis Studies, and her daughter Bryanna, a first-year Environmental Science student. They shared a powerful story of perseverance with the audience of about 250 people. Rubi, who became a mother at 16, has worked tirelessly to provide a better future for her daughter. Now, the two attend Stockton together.
“Our journey hasn’t been easy, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there is no perfect path, only the one you make for yourself,” Rubi said.
Rubi, 36, came to the United States as a child and overcame language barriers and discrimination, while Bryanna grew up navigating the challenges of having a father, Sgt. First Class Ivannhoe Ortiz, deployed with the U.S. Army National Guard overseas.
They have excelled academically and beyond, Rubi as president of the Cannabis Ospreys Club and founder of her own cupcake business, and Bryanna, 20, as a member of Stockton’s Crew team and an aspiring environmental policy leader.
Rubi was the recipient of the Daniel Barbera ’94 School of Business Scholarship and the Laurie McHugh Memorial Scholarship given to students in Stockton’s Cannabis Studies program. Rubi and Bryanna also both received funds from the Caesars Entertainment Endowed Scholarship, which benefits students who are employees of Caesars Entertainment or their immediate family members. Rubi’s mother and Bryanna’s grandmother worked for Caesars.
“To the donors, your generosity does more than provide financial aid, it provides hope,” Bryanna said. “You give students like us the chance to pursue our dreams, build better futures, and create legacies that will last for generations.”
Bertolino also highlighted the impact of donor generosity at the reception.
“Your generosity is more than financial support, it is life-changing,” he said, noting how scholarships enable students to take internships, gain hands-on experience, and focus on their studies without financial stress.
The evening celebrated the legacy of giving by highlighting Dr. M. Alysia Mastrangelo and her mother, Mary Ann Green Mastrangelo, who established scholarships in each other’s names. Alysia Mastrangelo, a Stockton Physical Therapy professor, honored her mother’s unwavering support by creating a scholarship in her name.
“She has always been my greatest cheerleader,” she said.
In a heartfelt gesture, Mary Ann, who never earned a degree herself but ensured all five of her children did, created a scholarship for her daughter in return.
“Giving back isn’t just about gratitude; it’s about creating opportunities for others,” she said.
Beyond their scholarships, Alysia Mastrangelo mentors students, serves on the Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee and writes letters of recommendation.
“To the donors, thank you for your continued support! Your generosity is much appreciated,” she said. “And to those who might be inspired to become a donor, please consider honoring your loved ones by establishing a scholarship. There are many pathways to make it a reality.”
The Stockton University Foundation plays a crucial role in removing barriers to student success by providing more than $1 million in annual scholarship support and funding for innovative programs, faculty projects, student groups and other initiatives at the university. To support scholarships and learn more about the Stockton University Foundation, please visit www.stockton.edu/foundation.
