STATEMENT OF HERMAN J.

SAATKAMP, PhD
Issued by Attorney Paul R. DAmato, Counsel for Mr. Saatkamp
September 15, 2015
Herman J. Saatkamp, PhD, whose resignation as University President after 12 years of
exemplary service became effective September 1, 2015, issued the following statement
today regarding the release of the report of Stockton Universitys special outside legal
counsel:
I continue to have unwavering love and respect for Stockton University and its immensely vital
role in higher education and our region.
Nothing in the Gibbons Report released today changes my fundamental, deeply rooted belief
that as President of the University, I acted in the best interest of the University and the citizens
of New Jersey. My actions, as recognized in the report, were well intentioned and not based
upon any illicit motive or self-dealing.
I welcomed the opportunity to voluntarily spend several hours over two days with the attorneyinvestigators and appreciate the magnitude of their challenge in reconstructing the events. I am
gratified that many of Stocktons accomplishments, from significant academic program
expansion to dramatic capital improvements, are noted in the report. However, I am deeply
disappointed at the lack of emphasis on the failure of Stocktons outside counsel, which the
Board and I relied upon, to fully disclose significant legal problems with the real estate
agreement. The fact is that outside legal counsel reviewed, approved, and recommended the
transaction. Members of the Board and I, as well as numerous local and state officials and
community members, warmly welcomed the agreement. I strongly concur that it is most
unfortunate that only after the fact did the Board and I learn that the outside counsel handling
the transaction for the University was not admitted to practice in New Jersey. I only received the
report a short time ago, but welcome the opportunity to respond in greater detail at a later time
to ensure a full and complete factual record.
For Further Information:
Paul R. DAmato, Esq. / paul@damatolawfirm.com
609.926.3300