The Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) at Stony Brook University recently hosted its annual Graduation Celebration and Pinning Ceremony, marking the academic achievements of its scholars. The event took place on May 21 and honored 27 graduating PhD and master’s students, two post-doctoral fellows, and 11 PhD students advancing to candidacy.
The CIE supports 209 interdisciplinary scholars from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Renaissance School of Medicine through financial, academic, professional development, and social support. This approach aims to drive innovation, inclusive excellence, and social mobility at Stony Brook University.
The ceremony featured remarks from Carl Lejuez, provost and executive vice president, along with Celia Marshik, dean of the Graduate School. Marshik highlighted the CIE’s comprehensive support system: “The CIE is the gold standard for supporting student success,” she stated.
Graduating scholars received a CIE certificate during the event. Grace Wivell, a Turner Dissertation Fellow in Linguistics, expressed gratitude for the community’s role in her success: “I don’t think I would be graduating with my PhD without the CIE community.”
Robert Burroughs shared similar sentiments about his time as an IRACDA postdoctoral scholar: “It’s been a lot of fun to be part of a community that is vivacious and engaging.”
First-year graduate students were recognized with a CIE Pin by graduating scholars as part of their academic journey. Jayla Evans reflected on her experience as a first-year PhD student in Chemistry: “The open arms of the staff are such a breath of fresh air during the hard transition from undergrad to graduate school.”
Annual awards were presented at the event. Adrian McAfee received the CIE Scholar Award for Excellence for academic accomplishments while J. Anibal Boscoboinik was awarded for his mentoring efforts.
Karian Wright, director of CIE and assistant dean for diversity and inclusion at The Graduate School, emphasized future planning amidst funding challenges: “With the cancellation of several federal grants…it is important that the CIE expand its portfolio of funding support.”
Next year marks CIE’s 25th anniversary since inception. Plans include launching a new alumni association to further enhance Stony Brook University’s impact globally.
