Erik Andersen

The meeting included introductions to establish a quorum, followed by the approval of the December 8, 2025 meeting minutes. Key discussions focused on recent activities of the University President, including representation at the State of the State address, meetings with Empire State Development regarding the New York Ventures program, and attendance at the announcement for the new electron ion collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory, funded in part by a $100 million state commitment. The President also provided updates on her upcoming April inauguration events and detailed a recent, inspiring 10-day trip to research sites in Kenya and Madagascar, highlighting groundbreaking discoveries in human fossils and lemur species, as well as the engagement of STEM scholars. Furthermore, there was a report on state government relations, covering meetings in Albany to advocate for capital, operating aid, SUNY hospital needs, and support for the housing ground lease in Southampton.

President Andrea Goldsmith outlines a bold strategic vision for Stony Brook University, focusing on three core themes: accelerating excellence and impact across education, research, healthcare, and service; building facilities and the student body; and catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship. Key priorities include enhancing student success and providing universal internship opportunities. The plan aims to establish the university as a global leader in quantum information technology and climate change solutions, while maintaining its commitment to affordability, accessibility, and fostering a vibrant, diverse, and supportive campus community that promotes upward mobility.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a quorum confirmation. The President of Stony Brook University, Andrea Goldsmith, provided an update on her first four and a half months in office, expressing gratitude for the council's support and highlighting the exceptional nature of the students and leadership team. Key activities included congratulating Council Member Father Alex on his new international religious title and Council Member Errol Tulon on his re-election as Sheriff of Suffolk County. The President also discussed several recent community and university events, such as 'Light the Brook,' the interfaith Thanksgiving dinner, an alumni celebration in New York City, and the upcoming Stony Awards recognizing faculty, staff, and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the strategic planning process, aimed at mapping excellence and impact across Manhattan to Montauk, was reviewed, detailing input gathered from two town halls (one in-person, one virtual) involving faculty, staff, and students, with future focused discussions planned for the spring.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as the Stony Brook gala, fundraising successes, and a large grant for the 9/11 World Trade Center responders program. The council also discussed the Commack facility, the Discovery Prize, and the appointment of Christina Johnson as the new chancellor for SUNY. Additionally, there were updates on the closure of the students Manhattan campus, the upcoming commencement ceremony, and the Excelsior free tuition program.

The town hall focused on fostering collaboration across different parts of the campus to address climate change. Discussions covered interdisciplinary research, academic programs, new degrees, and partnerships. The goal is to connect people, break down traditional silos between academia and industry, and accelerate interdisciplinary solutions to reach communities in need. The initiative aims to prepare the next generation of workers, involve students in wildlife conservation, and ensure information gets to constituents to help them participate in decision-making. The structured process will bring faculty together to think about the future of environmental research on campus.