Andrea Goldsmith was officially installed as the seventh president of the State University of New York at Stony Brook during an investiture ceremony held at Stony Brook Arena on April 18. In her inaugural address, Goldsmith said, “At this moment in time and in place, my destiny and Stony Brook’s destiny have come together in perfect alignment. Indeed, this presidency is, for me, the leadership opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to make a meaningful and positive difference for our students, faculty, staff, patients, our community, our country and the world.”
The event marked the culmination of Inauguration Week at Stony Brook University and included academic symposia and community events celebrating this new chapter for the institution. John L. Hennessy, a distinguished alumnus of Stony Brook University and president emeritus of Stanford University, spoke about how technology and human spirit are converging in higher education today. “In President Goldsmith, we find the ideal steward for this journey… Her arrival signals a new era of ambition,” Hennessy said.
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. reflected on Goldsmith’s career accomplishments and her vision to use what she calls ‘the ABC’s — accelerate, build, and catalyze’ to guide Stony Brook through its next decade. King said that Goldsmith understands “how diversity and excellence are not in tension with each other,” adding that economic development is a moral imperative for higher education.
Goldsmith acknowledged her family’s support during her speech while reflecting on moments throughout university history when key figures chose to say yes to opportunities that shaped its future growth. She described joining “a long tradition of people who believed in its unlimited potential.”
Looking ahead, Goldsmith introduced “ASPIRE 2035,” outlining goals such as accelerating discovery to solve global challenges; setting standards for educational excellence; igniting regional prosperity; reimagining medicine; enabling success foundations; and propelling visionary global leadership.
Goldsmith concluded by urging attendees to imagine—and help build—a future where “the nation and the world will look to us as a model for the future of American possibility.” The ceremony featured participation from previous university presidents Maurie McInnis and Samuel L. Stanley Jr., musical performances by university ensembles including Heritage performed by the Jazz Orchestra with composer Thomas Manuel present.
