Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University recently hosted an event to commemorate the contributions of Jim Simons, a renowned mathematician and philanthropist. The gathering took place on October 23 at the Simons Center Auditorium and included discussions on Simons' extensive relationship with the university over six decades.

The program featured three panel discussions and four lectures highlighting Simons' scientific achievements and philanthropic efforts, particularly his impact on Stony Brook Medicine. Interim President Richard McCormick noted, “Jim Simons’ devotion to Stony Brook was vast and strong. We will all continue to benefit from Jim’s wisdom, leadership and extraordinary generosity for generations to come. His legacy will prevail as long as this university exists.”

George Sterman, director of the C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics, moderated a panel that focused on Simons’ investments in mathematics and physics. He stated, “Among his many talents, Jim Simons was a gifted builder of teams. One of the goals of this event is to tell the story of how Jim saw enduring collaborative potential at Stony Brook.” Sterman also highlighted how these contributions led to establishing the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics.

For more details about the event, Christine McGrath has covered it extensively in SB Matters.