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91��Ƶ reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion at the institution with the opening of a Multicultural Center on the Galloway campus in February.

“This center is not just a physical space; it is also a reminder that we must all do what we can to ensure Stockton remains a welcoming community for all,” former President Harvey Kesselman told a crowd of more than 200 91��Ƶ, faculty, staff and community members who gathered in the new space. 

“Our arms are open to everyone,” said Ray Ciccone, former chair of the Board of Trustees. “In 2020, the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution dedicated to equity, social justice and inclusion. This center is the physical embodiment of that resolution.”

The Multicultural Center “will serve as a vibrant hub and resource for the entire campus community. One that places the identities and experiences of diverse and historically marginalized groups at its very center,” Kesselman said.

The 4,200-square-foot space features a flexible multipurpose lounge for events, a conference room, kitchen, resource center and staff offices. A garden entrance and archway, which draw their inspiration from the Civil Rights Garden in Atlantic City, lead into the center. 

The center provides a space on campus to address the needs of Stockton’s increasing diversity. The fall 2022 entering class was the most diverse in Stockton’s history at 46%, with more than 700 first-year 91��Ƶ identifying as minority or mixed race.

“Momentum surrounds us right now, not just in this space, but in the entire campus community,” said Jovin Fernandez, adding she was excited to join Stockton as the inaugural director of the Multicultural Center.

“This center will bring a new layer of joy, excitement, belonging and inclusion to the campus. I look forward to the ways that we will strengthen school spirit and institutional pride, how we will deepen critical thinking and learning inside and outside of the classroom, grow as a community and bond in unity,” Fernandez said. “We will celebrate our similarities rather than allowing our differences to distance us."

The Multicultural Center develops engaging and educational programming and offers student support through a dedicated staff of interns and peer educators. Interns and members of the Proud, Resilient, Educated Peers, or P.R.E.P. team, facilitate center activities, share information at tabling events, and develop content for Instagram while developing their leadership and communication skills.