Jaclyn Ahearn Senior Executive Assistant to the President | Stony Brook University
Jaclyn Ahearn Senior Executive Assistant to the President | Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University Seawolves participated in the 10th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival on September 14, held at Port Jefferson Harbor and hosted by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.
Two teams from Stony Brook — Stony Brook Medicine’s “S.S. EmergenSea” and the Stony Brook Seawolves — represented the university and Stony Brook Medicine (SBM). Suzanne L. Velázquez, clinical professor in the School of Social Welfare and member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, served as master of ceremonies.
The festival attracted hundreds of spectators from Long Island and New York City. It began with an 8:30 am opening ceremony featuring the traditional “Eye Dotting” ceremony, a blessing by Buddhist monks to awaken the dragons, and a performance by the Asian Veterans Color Guard.
Interim President Richard McCormick welcomed teams to Port Jefferson Village, also known as Seawolves Country, encouraging them to network and enjoy their time in the community.
Throughout the day, dragon boats raced in three-lane heats along a 250-meter course. Teams were composed of 20 paddlers, a steersman, and a drummer who maintained synchronicity. While neither Stony Brook team reached the final round, participants enjoyed various festivities including land dragon races and a tug-of-war competition.
Erika Karp, associate director of University and Medicine Community Relations, along with Judy Jaquez, associate director for Diversity, Intercultural and Community Engagement, co-managed the SBU team. Kerri Reino, department administrator for Emergency Medicine, captained the SBM team while Dawn Dawson, nurse practitioner at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital served as SBM’s drummer.
“The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce’s Dragon Boat Race Festival is one of our favorite community traditions,” said Karp. “Our Stony Brook teams had a wonderful time meeting new people, enjoying performances, learning about local businesses and spending the day in beautiful Port Jefferson Village. We are tremendously grateful for the Chamber’s work organizing this event and are proud to be part of it.”
In addition to races, attendees enjoyed cultural performances including Lion Dance routines, Taiko drumming sessions, and martial arts demonstrations.
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