For the fourth straight year, Spencer’s and Spirit have donated $250,000 to the Stockton University Foundation, bringing its total giving to $1 million.
Spencer’s and Spirit President and COO Ike Silvera presented Stockton President Joe Bertolino with the company’s latest gift on Nov. 13 at a ceremony at Spencer’s and Spirit’s headquarters in Egg Harbor Township. Several employees who are Stockton alumni also attended.
“It’s always exciting to host the Stockton team. Our connection to Stockton runs deep,” said Spencer’s and Spirit CEO Steven Silverstein, adding that 18% of the company’s home office are proud Stockton alumni. “We’re incredibly proud to invest in the next generation of leaders right here in South Jersey, our home.”
This year’s donation will go toward the Spencer’s and Spirit Endowed Scholarship at Stockton, the Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy, Stockton’s School of Business and a new digital innovation hub that’s being created as part of the renovation of Stockton’s Richard E. Bjork Library.
“We are proud to recognize your remarkable generosity, now totaling $1 million in support of Stockton,” said Bertolino. “That’s more than a number. It’s a lifeline of opportunity and a powerful vote of confidence in our students, our faculty and the future of this region.”
Bertolino announced that the library hub will be named the Spencer’s and Spirit Digital Innovation Suite. The suite is part of a massive $19.5 million library renovation project that will transform the three-story, 100,000-square-foot space into a library learning commons when it reopens in the fall of 2026.
“This hub will give students hands-on access to emerging technologies and tools that inspire creativity, collaboration and discovery,” said Bertolino. “We’re excited to help shape this space together.”
Dan Nugent, executive director of the Stockton Foundation, noted that Spencer’s and Spirit’s continued support of the university shows the deep bond the entities have created.
“This latest gift is a remarkable testament to Spencer’s and Spirit’s belief in Stockton’s mission,” he said. “Their total contribution of $1 million reflects a deep commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and strengthening the university-community partnership that defines Stockton’s spirit.”
The $250,000 gift was also used by the Stockton Foundation to challenge Stockton alumni and the community to contribute during Stockton’s annual day of giving, Ospreys Give. This year’s campaign raised $608,852 from a record 1,446 donors in October.
