Harry Hurley Donates $11,000

to G. Larry James Legacy Fund

 

Longtime Friend of Late Stockton Icon Delivers on Promise

 

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

 

Contact:         Tim Kelly

                       Office of Public Relations

                       Galloway Township, NJ 08240

                       Tim.Kelly@stockton.edu

                       (609) 652-4950

Atlantic City, NJ – Harry Hurley, host of the top-rated “Hurley in the Morning” radio program on WIBG, 1020 AM, has made the largest single donation to Stockton College’s G. Larry James Legacy Fund, a gift of $11,000.  The fund was established in 2007 by Mr. James, Stockton’s late Dean of Athletics and Recreation who later served as Dean of Athletic Engagement and Community Involvement.  Proceeds of the fund provide scholarships for deserving Stockton students.

Mr. James passed away on his birthday on November 6 in 2008 following a long and heroic battle with cancer.  Mr. James, who was 60, was an Olympic gold and silver medalist sprinter on what is widely considered to be the greatest track team ever assembled, the 1968 United States team at the Mexico City Olympiad, and was an NCAA track champion at Villanova, a member of the Track and Field and Penn Relays Halls of Fame and a top official in the sport’s national governing body, USA Track and Field.

Shortly before Mr. James’ death, Hurley, a longtime supporter of the College and Mr. James’ dear friend, promised he would make a sizeable donation to the Legacy Fund.  The gift was to come from funds raised at the Second Annual Hurley in the Morning Golf Open.  “I promised Larry my donation would be more than $5,000, which would have been the largest single gift ever made to the Legacy Fund,” Hurley said.  “As it turned out, the event’s success exceeded my expectations and we were able to more than double that amount.”

The event, which took place last month at Mays Landing Country Club, attracted some of the region’s top political, civic and business leaders and celebrities.  In only its second year, the Hurley in the Morning Golf Open raised more than $60,000 for charities including the Legacy Fund.  The other charities that will benefit from the Open are: The Ensign John R. Elliott Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers, FACES Autism Support Network of Atlantic County, and The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation.

Stockton President Dr. Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr., recognized the donation today in a brief ceremony at the regular meeting of the College Board of Trustees.  Representatives of Mr. James’ family were in attendance.  “Harry Hurley’s radio show breaks news on a regular basis,” Dr. Saatkamp said.  “It is only fitting Harry would break the record for donations to the Legacy Fund.  Because of Harry’s generosity, deserving students will receive the opportunity to attend college.”

Mr. James, who was a resident of Smithville, shepherded the Ospreys’ athletic programs from a largely non-competitive and club sport model into a perennial national power.  The Stockton men’s soccer team won the NCAA Division III national championship in 2001, and men’s basketball, and men’s and women’s soccer reached the NCAA Final Four.  The 2008-2009 men’s team reached the national championship game.  Virtually all Stockton sports programs have been champions and contenders in the New Jersey Athletic Conference and their other respective leagues.  Stockton athletes have accomplished these feats with graduation rates and grade point averages exceeding national averages by a wide margin.

“Larry James was a great yet humble man and was an example to all,” said Hurley.  “It is quite gratifying to have the opportunity to help foster his legacy.”

Hurley, a resident of Egg Harbor Township, has a daughter who attends Stockton.  He has promoted College events regularly on his radio show.  The top-rated show is known for its news-breaking revelations on the area political scene.  Hurley has been voted the #7 best political journalist in the state of New Jersey by the respected publication In The Lobby, and for the past two years has been selected as one of PolitickerNJ.com's 100 most powerful political persons in the state of New Jersey. Hurley also writes a weekly political column for The Current and Gazette newspapers and is the Editor and publisher of his news and information Web site, www.HarryHurley.com.

NOTE: The 2nd Annual "Hurley in the Golf Open," Presented By Martin & Sheila O'Boyle is also donating $ 11,000 each to three more deserving charities: The Ensign John R. Elliott Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers; FACES Autism Support Network of Atlantic County and The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation.

This makes a total of $ 44,000 donate dto the four dynamic charities. 

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