Andrea Goldsmith was officially installed as the seventh president of Stony Brook University on April 18 at Stony Brook Arena, following a week of events that showcased her vision for the university. The ceremony was attended by faculty, staff, students, alumni, local officials, former presidents and representatives from colleges across the country.
The inauguration marks a significant leadership transition for Stony Brook University, which is recognized as New York’s flagship public university and a major research institution. Goldsmith addressed the audience about embracing new opportunities and taking bold steps forward. “Transformation begins with yes,” she said. “Saying yes opened the door to Stony Brook’s infinite possibilities and ultimately led me to this extraordinary role as its seventh president. That simple act of embracing risk with the potential for great reward is where my professional story and Stony Brook’s story intersect. The collective courage to pursue a bold vision—despite uncertainty—is the engine of upward mobility at a great university like ours. I believe wholeheartedly that there is truly no limit to what we can achieve together.”
Goldsmith also expressed gratitude toward those who have contributed to her first year in office: “This inauguration week from Manhattan to Montauk has truly exceeded my highest expectations as we have showcased our tremendous university… To every one of you who has shaped this memorable first year of my presidency and who strengthened our special university… you all have my lasting gratitude for your partnership your support and your warm welcome.”
Distinguished alumnus John L. Hennessy, former Stanford University president, spoke at the event about his long association with both Goldsmith and Stony Brook: “As a proud alumnus of Stony Brook University—having earned my master’s and PhD here—it is a personal pleasure to be back at an institution for which I hold such deep gratitude… Having worked alongside her at Stanford for over 20 years, I have admired her groundbreaking scholarship and transformative leadership.” SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., reflecting on Goldsmith’s impact since joining last August, said: “When President Goldsmith builds and accelerates…she does it to make things happen— innovation, and economic growth—she does it also for the people coming up behind her.”
Chancellor King formally installed Goldsmith during the ceremony while SUNY Board Chair Dr. Merryl H. Tisch placed the ceremonial medallion around her neck amid applause from attendees.
Goldsmith outlined ASPIRE 2035—a new long-term vision based on guiding principles—as part of her address: “Because if we say yes boldly enough,” she said in closing, “the nation … and the world … will look to Stony Brook University…as a model for the future of American possibility and progress.”
The event included musical performances by Wanmei Zhang (national anthem) and Thomas Manuel’s composition “Heritage” performed by the Jazz Orchestra; greetings were sent by Governor Kathy Hochul via recorded message.
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Stony Brook continues as part of SUNY with more than 27,000 students enrolled; it holds membership in top academic associations such as AAU; faculty include recipients of major international awards; it co-manages federal research facilities; recently became anchor institution for The New York Climate Exchange; generates significant economic output regionally.
