A Time for Community, Thanksgiving and Gratitude
November 25, 2024
Dear Stony Brook Campus Community,
The month of November is winding down and I know that the end of the fall semester can feel like a mad dash to the finish line. Still, I encourage you to embrace the changing seasons and the many traditions that bring us together to celebrate this vibrant campus community.
I was honored to take part in two of these Stony Brook traditions recently. At the annual Light the Brook event earlier this month, I was in awe to see the Academic Mall full of life and light thanks to the organizing efforts of our Undergraduate Student Government. And now, those sparkling displays continue to remind us of our special campus spirit every night. As one student thoughtfully put it, “the lights make campus feel like home.” I couldn't agree more!
The 37th annual Interfaith Center Thanksgiving Dinner held last week provided an opportunity to share a meal with students while reflecting on the meaning of Thanksgiving and the values of caring for and serving others. These values are especially meaningful to embrace this holiday season and beyond.
In the spirit of giving, our campus recently kicked off the Stony Brook Cares SEFA campaign, which is another tradition that reflects our legacy of helping and caring for others. If you are able to do so, gifts and contributions to Stony Brook Cares can be directed toward various specified agencies. More information about these charities and donation details are available on the SEFA website.
I hope that this Thanksgiving you can take a moment to reflect and express your gratitude to family members, loved ones, and friends. Perhaps you can even take this holiday as an opportunity to send a Gratitude Gram to a colleague who made this semester feel special, who went the extra mile, or who supported you in ways big and small.
Happy Thanksgiving to our Stony Brook community near and far. I am grateful to be a part of this exceptional university. Your talent and hard work, coupled with your commitment to nourishing this institution’s culture of recognition and reciprocity, vibrancy and warmth, are noticed and appreciated. Thank you for all you do for Stony Brook.
Sincerely,
Richard L. McCormick
Interim President