Mid-Semester Momentum: Purpose, Focus and Seawolf Spirit
March 23, 2026
Dear Stony Brook Community,
It is always a joy when we are back together again as a university community. Whether you remained here working or studying during Spring Break or traveled away from Stony Brook, we now enter the second half of the semester with much exciting work and activities to close out the semester, along with many opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate together.
As we move through the spring, the moments that define our Seawolf spirit are all around us, from our daily interactions with members of our community to our upcoming traditions that are uniquely Stony Brook, like the Roth Regatta. I am also filled with anticipation for commencement, where we will celebrate the great Class of 2026 along with all our graduates. Commencement is always my favorite time of the academic year given all it means to students and their families. I know this commencement, my first as your president, will be particularly meaningful.
This semester, we also continue the important discussions we began in the fall to advance our vision for Stony Brook’s future. I look forward to sharing that vision during my formal investiture as your seventh president on April 18 as part of a full Inauguration Week with activities for our entire community.
In all that we do, we remain focused on building a campus culture defined by excellence, bold ambition, compassion and care. Our interactions should reflect civility and respect, guided by intellectual curiosity and empathy, to cultivate the dynamic, supportive and welcoming environment that makes Stony Brook such a special community.
Unfortunately, over the course of this academic year, our campus has experienced antisemitic, racist and other derogatory and discriminatory incidents, which are the antithesis of our university’s values. It is heartbreaking for me to imagine the pain that these incidents cause to members of our community. I want to be clear: Stony Brook does not tolerate these behaviors and will hold individuals who are found responsible accountable.
Fostering an environment of intellectual engagement between people who disagree creates opportunities to question your own views and to learn new ideas and perspectives. It is one of the most powerful aspects of university life. At the same time, we must create a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone so that all members of our community can thrive here and achieve their full potential. I strongly encourage everyone to review and abide by the university policies that guide our shared commitment to this principle as they are essential to the warm and welcoming community we have created here at Stony Brook.
Thank you for everything you do to advance our excellence and impact across all dimensions
of education, research, healthcare and service. I am so grateful to lead such an inspiring
community of Seawolves. I wish you all a wonderful second half of your spring semester
and look forward to a joyful end to the semester and my first academic year as your
president.
Sincerely,
Andrea Goldsmith
President