Received Honorary Degree from Stockton University

On 06/03/2023, Stockton University awarded Arnold Schwarzenegger an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree during a ceremony held at the university’s campus in Galloway, New Jersey. The honor was approved by the university’s Board of Trustees on 22/02/2023 in recognition of Schwarzenegger’s artistic career, philanthropic work, and contributions to public service. The former California governor attended the event as part of a campus visit that included meetings with students, faculty, and community members. Before the ceremony, Schwarzenegger toured the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton University, where he met with Holocaust survivors including Elizabeth Roth and Leo Ullman. During the visit, he discussed the importance of historical education and the dangers of extremist ideology. He also referenced his personal background, including his father’s service as a Nazi soldier during World War II, and spoke about his own visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp. These experiences formed part of his broader message on confronting hatred and learning from history. Schwarzenegger later delivered remarks to more than 600 students and guests, focusing on antisemitism, discrimination, and civic responsibility. He told the audience that “it is easier to hate than it is to learn” and urged listeners to choose what he described as the “path of strength” rather than the “path of the weak.” Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman presented the honorary degree and cited Schwarzenegger’s work in public policy, climate initiatives, and youth development programs. The ceremony concluded with a question and answer session and a formal presentation recognizing his contributions across entertainment, public service, and philanthropy.