Suffolk Reporter

Music, dancing, movies, roller skating, mini golf, and various other activities greeted students returning to Stony Brook University during New Seawolf Welcome Week. Despite a delayed move-in due to flash flooding, the campus soon became lively with events stretching from the SAC to LaValle Stadium.

Interim President Richard McCormick addressed first-year and transfer students at convocation events held at the stadium and the Staller Center. He acknowledged the community's resilience and shared his own experience as a newcomer to Stony Brook. “Being new is both exciting and can be daunting, too,” he said on August 24. “And so I want to assure you that whatever you are feeling right now is totally, for better or for worse, normal.”

McCormick offered advice drawn from his extensive career at leading public research universities. “From one new kid to another, I have some advice for you — and that is to keep listening,” he stated. “Listen to your heart. Listen to each other’s questions, values, and experiences. Listen to the needs of the world at large. One cannot learn without listening.”

Students participated in mandatory workshops designed to help them acclimate and introduce them to faculty, staff, and fellow students. Additionally, events such as the Welcome Back BBQ, roller skating on SAC Plaza, Wolfie’s Welcome parties, games, movies, arts and crafts sessions, fitness classes, and more were organized to help new Seawolves start their academic journey.

A gallery of photos from Welcome Week is available with contributions by John Griffin and Isabel Epstein.