Evolution in Motion

Cover concept by Shelley Catalano. Cover illustration by Jordan Monsell. 

Since its founding as a teachers college in 1957, Stony Brook University has evolved into one of the nation’s leading research institutions. Before achieving that level, it underwent many changes: It recruited top faculty, weathered recessions, increased enrollment and added a campus. Today, as New York’s flagship institution, it has made an indelible impact on the lives of more than 220,000 graduates — and counting.

And the evolution continues. 

In February, Andrea Goldsmith, PhD, a groundbreaking electrical engineer and renowned educator, was selected as Stony Brook’s seventh president, a role she will officially start on August 1. With her entrepreneurial spirit and visionary approach to education, Goldsmith will be leading SBU forward, building on its strengths and venturing into new areas to take full advantage of the university’s expertise in medicine, climate, engineering and translational research.  

One of those strengths is the university’s research partnerships, such as its longstanding relationship with Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). In Scientific Synergy, we take a closer look at four SBU faculty with joint appointments at BNL and how the facilities and environment at the legendary lab are helping them accelerate discovery.

SBU’s commitment to community is another noted strength, as evidenced by the connection our mascot, Wolfie, has with his fellow Seawolves. Learn more about how Wolfie became More Than a Mascot as he celebrates his 30th birthday.

Also turning 30 this year is the Stony Brook Film Festival. Here’s Looking at You, Kid  details how an idea by Alan Inkles, director of the Staller Center, evolved to become one of the premier independent film festivals in the country.

In Stewards of Southampton, Wendy Pearson, vice president for strategic initiatives and executive director of Stony Brook Southampton, shares how Stony Brook is transforming the campus, with plans for laboratory renovations, new construction, additional academic programs and more opportunities for community engagement.

And we are continuing our evolution, with an updated look for the magazine and a new feature: We want to hear from you on what you would Ask a Seawolf.

Our cover image speaks not only to Stony Brook’s (and Wolfie’s) evolution, but also to the most important evolution of all, that of our students, who often start their journey unsure but grow into confident graduates with the world at their fingertips.