Stony Brook University has renamed a campus street in honor of alumnus Rich Gelfond, class of 1976, to recognize his longstanding leadership and support for the institution. The former Campus Drive is now known as Richard L. Gelfond Drive.
Gelfond, who serves as chair of the Stony Brook Foundation Board of Trustees and is CEO of IMAX Corp., has played a significant role in guiding the university’s strategic development. Over nearly four decades, he has contributed to various initiatives at Stony Brook, including support for the Turkana Basin Institute, the Women’s Leadership Council, the Pollock-Krasner House, and the Stars of Stony Brook Gala, which funds student scholarships. He also established an endowed fund for research on mercury exposure and its health effects.
Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith commented on Gelfond’s contributions: “Rich Gelfond represents the very best of Stony Brook and has been a critical partner for me in the early days of my presidency. His leadership, vision, wisdom and generosity have been transformative, helping us expand our reach, deepen our impact and serve our community as well as this great state through our education, research and healthcare. This naming honors not just his legacy, but the values he continues to champion — excellence, innovation, access and service.”
