From left, Stockton President Herman J. Saatlkamp, Jr., Woodbine Mayor William Pikolycky and Michael Azeez celebrate Stockton’s largest gift in its history, a $5-million donation.
ATLANTIC CITY — Continuing a longtime collaboration and advancing mutual educational interests, The Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage and The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey today announced a partnership resulting in the largest gift in the history of the College.
Michael Azeez, prominent businessman, civic leader and founder of the Museum has donated, through the Azeez Foundation, $5 million to the College, as well as the Museum itself.
“I wish for the continuity of the Museum’s efforts to continue,” Mr. Azeez said. “There exists a synergy between the Museum, Stockton’s General Studies program, its Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center, and its community partnerships. This collaboration enables the Museum to advance its goals, accessibility and visibility.”
Stockton President Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. said the $5 million gift would be used to establish The Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage Endowment Fund to perpetuate the Museum’s activities, support its ongoing operation and maintenance for the continuation of its mission.
“Stockton is gratified and humbled by the trust Michael Azeez has placed in the College,” Saatkamp said. “The financial commitment Michael has made is remarkably significant. However, the act of placing the Museum, its contents and operation under our care represents something more important — the preservation of the region’s rich history as well as a commitment to reduce prejudice.”
The historic Woodbine Brotherhood Synagogue, which houses the Museum, was built in 1893. It was owned by the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage of which Michael Azeez assumed control in 2001. Michael Azeez spent several years restoring the interior, exterior and grounds of the building, a National Historic Landmark, as closely as possible to its original form. In 2003 he established the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage, named to honor the memory of his father, a successful entrepreneur who grew up in Woodbine.
The Museum is a teaching center focusing on perpetuating the history of the wave of Russian Jewish immigration to the area in the late 19th century and working for the reduction of prejudice. Since its inception, the Museum worked with Stockton and the New Jersey Holocaust Commission in education, teacher training, the collection of oral histories and other activities.
Go here for a blog about Stockton's 40th Anniversary.
Click here for retro photos of Stockton College from the student newspaper The Argo
After a 21-year career helping put WMGM-TV on the map, Jane Stark took on a new assignment: Executive director of the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage (Cape May County). She described for us a welcoming place where the worst about mankind is discussed, even as the best is celebrated. The museum is housed in a synagogue built by Woodbine’s settlers in 1893. A national historic landmark, the structure still is used for services and events — and is well worth a holiday visit. You were a pioneer with WMGM-TV. I started in sales when the station was on air only four months, then spent 21 years working my way through every management position. Ultimately, I became one of only 17 female general managers in the NBC affiliate network. We started with little except hope...
For those of us who have been around long enough to remember those great battles between the Dodgers and Phillies that took place in 1977, '78 and '83, it will seem very strange to see Larry Bowa in ...
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey has signed a purchase-and-sale agreement for the acquisition of the historic Seaview Resort in Galloway Township.
“It’s a proud day for Stockton to add the name Lloyd D. Levenson to an Institute that will have far-reaching benefit to our community and beyond,”
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and the Noyes Museum of Arts announced a new partnership Thursday that will expand educational programs, exhibits and facilities at both institutions.
In the fall of 1971, I was headed for the first step in my journey to adulthood — a naïve, barely 18-year-old college freshman who was part of a grand new experiment in education, Stockton College.
Article:
Ted Nugent Talks
Article:
Unprecedented Concert Line-up for Atlantic City
Article:
Save-A-Lot, First Supermarket to Open in Atlantic City in Years
Article:
Black Keys in Atlantic City: Rock & Revel
Article:
Taste of Revel May 18-20
Article:
Banding Together for Autism
Article:
Christie Backing Off Internet Gaming?
Article:
Somers Point Benefit Concert May 11
Share this Story: