Matthew Jacob '25
Summa Cum Laude
Economics and Business Management double major; minors in globalization studies and international relations; political science; and sustainability studies

On Stony Brook: 
Stony Brook provided me with the perfect blend of affordability, flexibility and proximity. As an in-state student, the value of an SBU education is unmatched. I also was able to come into SBU as a sophomore by credit since the school accepts so many APs and college partnership courses from high school. This, along with being only 40 minutes away (I am from Syosset), has allowed me to pursue anything and everything academically through my four years here.

• On his majors/minors:
  
  I originally came to SBU as a computer science student, but quickly switched over to business management and economics as they aligned better with my personal interests and career goals. I ultimately chose these programs out of personal interest and intellectual curiosity; I have always been interested in how the world works and how society functions, and all of these majors and minors have helped me begin to understand the complexities of modern life. I've particularly enjoyed my sustainability studies classes as they have given me hope for a green future for myself, my peers and future generations. 

Favorite CAS Class:
HIS 392 with Dr. Tara Rider. This topics history class was actually a three-week winter study abroad program in Ireland. It was, by far, my favorite experience as a college student. Being able to see the physical manifestations of the topics we were learning about was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I cherish it forever. If you ever have the chance to study abroad, no matter how long or how short the program is, take it, you will not regret it one bit!

Interests and accomplishments:
I'm interested in legislative policy and its implications on everyday life at both a national and local scale. I have been fortunate enough to work with Legislator Steven Englebright at the county level to get my feet wet with experiential learning outside of the classroom in this regard. I look forward to continuing my development as a policy evaluator and creator through further education at the graduate and postgraduate level.

Accomplishments: Summa Cum Laude, Business Honors Program, Honors College

Post-graduation:
I will be pursuing a Masters in Public Policy here at Stony Brook University, with my ultimate goal being to attend law school. 

Favorite SBU memory:
My time as president of the Fantasy Sports and Analytics Association. I started the club with my friend way back in the Spring of 2023 with the goal of providing a place for students to unwind and find friends with similar interests. Recently I had the privilege to talk with one of our members and was overcome with emotion when he told me that we provided that outlet for him. I had set out with the goal of positively impacting just one student on campus, and to have explicit confirmation that the club achieving just that was a full circle moment for me and something that I will never forget.

Advice for future Seawolves: 
Do not be afraid to get involved. The best possible thing you can do as an incoming student is put yourself out there, join clubs and orgs, and be an active member of the SBU community. Everyone here is kind and welcoming, there is nothing to be afraid of - in fact, you'll find yourself wishing you joined a club, took a class or had an experience sooner! College is the best time for learning who you are, and SBU is the perfect place to do that.