John F. Scarpa Foundation

Entrepreneur and philanthropist John F. Scarpa pledged $8 million to the Stockton University Foundation on Dec. 5, 2019. This was the largest gift in the university’s history at that time. The gift from The John F. Scarpa Foundation, courtesy of John and Jana Scarpa, targeted two primary initiatives, Stockton’s expansion of academic programs in Atlantic City and the Health Sciences program at the mainland campus, and create an unrestricted fund for other university needs. John Scarpa, In appreciation of this landmark generosity, Stockton named two buildings as follows: the John F. Scarpa Academic Center on the Atlantic City campus and the John F. Scarpa Health Sciences Center on the Galloway campus.

Scarpa is a true pioneer in the communications field, He was co-founder and president and COO of American Cellular Network Corp. the first publicly traded cellular company in the United States. He went on to co-found Unitel Wireless Communication Systems and was one of the original members of the nationwide Cellular One Network. An entrepreneur in the broadcast industry, he helped to establish the New Jersey and Northeast Cable TV Associations and assisted in the launch of the internet service provider Earthlink. Through the John F. Scarpa Foundation, he supports education, healthcare and disadvantaged families; including the Frank and Edith Scarpa Regional Cancer Center at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, the Edith Favretto Scarpa Arts and Sciences Building at St. Augustine Preparatory School in Richland, The John F. Scarpa Center for Law and entrepreneurship at Villanova Law School and the John F. Scarpa Technical Education Center in Cumberland County.

Scarpa was excited and proud to make this commitment to Stockton University, stating: “I grew up in South Jersey and started my career here. I watched Stockton College grow to become Stockton University, an institution providing students the best academic opportunities available without leaving this great part of New Jersey. Socrates said ‘Education is the kindling of the flame.’ I hope to light the way to enable students to realize their dreams.”

Scarpa has received numerous public and community service awards; Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation’s Charles Ruch Semper Fidelis Award (2019), Community Foundation of South Jersey’s Legacy of Giving Award (2018), Cape May County Distinguished Citizen Award (2017), Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2010), The National Italian American Foundation’s Special Award for Entrepreneurial Spirit (2008). John and his wife, Jana, accepted the Tocqueville Distinguished Citizen National Award at the 29th Annual Tocqueville Society Dinner in Palm Beach, Florida.

Jana and John Scarpa live in Palm Beach, Fla, and Avalon, N.J.