Legendary Atlantic City Philanthropists Give Big Money To Stockton

Stockton University has partnered with two of the most generous philanthropic families in Atlantic City, New Jersey history.

Levine & Gormley Families

The Levine and Gormley families are long-time Atlantic County residents and community leaders. This is the latest in many philanthropic endeavors that they have collaborated together to achieve.

They have been big Stockton University boosters in the past. For example, this past November, the Levine and Gormley families donated $100,000 to create a financial revenue stream that directly benefits students pursuing a Stockton Master of Social Work degree.

Bill Gormley, a former longtime New Jersey State Senator, and his wife, Ginny, are from Margate, and Lee and Sandra Levine live in Longport.

On Friday, January 30, 2026, The Levine and Gormley Family Foundations confirmed with Stockton University that they will collaborate to launch a new $ 2 million initiative that will open access to a high-quality STEM education for Atlantic County students.

NOTE: Also pictured in the photo above are (left to right) Dr. Phil Guenther, Superintendent of the Atlantic County Institute of Technology and Michael Charlton, President and CEO of AtlantiCare.

The Atlantic County Institute of Technology has been consistently rated as the # 1 public school in New Jersey and AtlantiCare is a dynamic organization that is the largest employer in South Eastern New Jersey.

What The Levine & Gormley $ 2 million Pledge Will Help To Create

• The Levine-Gormley STEM Scholars Pathway Program.
• It will provide scholarships and other financial support for Atlantic County students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics degree studies at Stockton.
• Eligible students may receive up to $10,000 per year in scholarships that can renew for their four year career at Stockton University.

Stockton University President Joe Bertolino Said:

This is the kind of giving that lifts students, fuels dreams and ripples outward to strengthen the entire region. Today, we're celebrating a gift that goes far beyond dollars. It's about believing in our students, investing in their potential and building a future we can all be proud of. It's a partnership rooted in care and vision, one that will open doors for generations to come, said Bertolino.

Bill Gormley Signs The Multi-Million Dollar Partnership Agreement With Stockton University President Joe Bertolino

Bill Gormley On Lee Levine

There is not an ounce of self-promotion in Lee Levine. He is only donating the money because he loves Atlantic City. Lee mirrors what is important locally. He is a graduate of Atlantic City High School, his favorite meal is a White House sub, the most important executive to him is general manager of the Eagles, and he believes the greatest coach of any sport at any time is Stan Bergman, said Gormley.

Bill Gormley Praised Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, Jon Hanson, Chris Paladino & John Scarpa

This is another great chapter in the story of Stockton Atlantic City. I want to acknowledge Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, who was a driving force in support of Stockton coming to Atlantic City, Jon Hanson and Chris Paladino from the Atlantic City Development Corporation -- a true real estate dream team and John Scarpa, whose support has helped to elevate the campus. All of us, Lee and I, and all those who have contributed to this project, should be proud of this presence in the city and the future of this campus, said Gormley.

Michael Charlton — President & CEO — AtlantiCare

The new partnership is the type of bold, community-rooted investment envisioned in his company's Vision 2030 strategy. By working alongside Stockton University and local leaders to create a clear, affordable STEM pathway for Atlantic County students, we are strengthening educational access. building our future workforce, and advancing economic mobility in the communities we serve, Charlton said. "Developing local talent and creating equitable opportunities are essential to improving long-term health, prosperity and life outcomes across our region. We are proud to support this extraordinary generosity and applaud the leadership and commitment of Senator and Mrs. Gormley and Mr. and Mrs. Levine in making this opportunity possible for students in our community, said Charlton.

New Jersey Senator Vince Polistina

New Jersey State Senator Vince Polistina highlighted that the program will create a "powerful bridge" between ACIT and other Atlantic County high schools for high-achieving students to get an affordable education at Stockton. By pairing that academic journey with internship placements at AtlantiCare and exposure to other social innovation and technology-driven opportunities - including initiatives like the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's Strategic Innovation Center - we are connecting classroom learning to the industries shaping our region's future, said Polistina.

Senator Polistina Concluded:

This is how we keep talent local, fuel innovation and ensure southern New Jersey remains competitive, forward-looking and economically strong. Through initiatives such as this, we have the ability to expand upon existing private-public partnerships but also be able to funnel qualified, local residents to related government entities operating within Atlantic County, such as the Division of Gaming Enforcement, Polistina said. I want to, again, thank Mr. Levine and Senator Gormley for their continued investment in Atlantic County's future, said Polistina.

SOURCE: Stockton University.

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