Graduation is close, and the students who will leave SBU can soon proudly call themselves an alumnus of this institution. Being an alumnus bestows the power to give, but most importantly, it makes one a part of a tradition and a community that is larger than the campus itself. SBU’s Alumni Association (AA) has played a critical role in connecting present and past SBU students. This semester, it contributed to programs ranging from Wall Street Day to Homecoming. SBU alumni are more than monetary contributors; they devote time and effort to a cause that makes SBU’s network stronger everyday.
According to Sandra Skinner from Alumni Relations, ‘the Alumni Office organized Wall Street Day in conjunction with an alum, Steve Traum of TIAA-CREF. Nine alumni came to campus to mentor students on Nov. 1 in a variety of finance industry related areas. Mark Saidens, Past President of the AA, said that ‘events like Wall Street Day and other informational or networking situations are needed, nurtured and expanded upon.’ TIAA-CREF meets investors’ needs and offers advice to manage income through retirement.
John Lizzul, a member of the AA’s Board of Directors, said that ‘most SB students need to become much more familiar with one of the world’s most important industries, which is so critical to NYC; not to mention that the pay is outstanding. SB students do not have the benefit of mingling with other students, family, and even professors who have experience with the financial services industry. Exposure to this field provides students with information to decide if this area is of career interest to them.’
SBU’s AA brings together more than 95,000 alumni worldwide. Established in 1965, the AA has sponsored and participated in innumerable events in the past, including the new student cookout, Homecoming, reunions, commencements, the Student Ambassador Program, home and away atheletic games, Staller Center performances and even a ‘Stony Break’ for students during finals week. The Association also holds an annual Distinguished Alumni and Faculty Awards Ceremony.
The 24th Distinguished Alumni Awards took place on Nov. 16. In relation to the awards process, Skinner said that ‘awards recipients are nominated by faculty, staff, and alumni, and are selected by the Distinguished Alumni Awards Committee which consists of AA Board Members.’ This year’s five award recipients included Peter J. Remch, who received the Distinguished Alumni Award of Excellence, which is presented to an alumnus who is not only a philanthropist, but also a community advocate, supporter of the university and an overall achiever. According to Skinner, ‘it is in effect our Lifetime Achievement Award.’
The Distinguished Alumni Benefactor Award was presented to Michael Manoussos. The award is presented to an alumnus who has made a substantial contribution, not only financially, but to help advance SBU. Benefactors are responsible for many of the wonderful initiatives and programs on campus. The award for University and Community Service was awarded to Gene Mundie. This award is presented to an alumnus who has dedicated his time to serving SBU and its surrounding community. Skinner said that such alumni ‘touch countless lives through their dedicated volunteerism and truly make SBU and the world, a better place.’
The Distinguished Alumni Award for Innovation was awarded to Michael Zeitlin. It honors an alumnus who has developed a unique design that in every aspect improves the world around us. Zeitlin is the President of Magic Consultants Inc. According to Skinner, alumni who receive this award ‘are pioneers in groundbreaking advancements and leaders with their discovery.’ The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Carole L. Weidman for reaching the pinnacle of success in her field. Skinner said that receipients of this award ‘have taken their education from Stony Brook, mixed it with a generous dose of hard work and determination, and became, quite simply stated, the best of the best.’
President Kenny has said that ‘Investment in Stony Brook is investment in the highest level of academic and research potential.’ In response to this, Saidens said that ‘I welcome the opportunity to be able to give back to Stony Brook, for all of the doors throughout my professional career that were opened to me, as well as those doors that were prevented from closing on me because I was a Stony Brook Alum.
Saidens further added that ‘I consider myself extremely fortunate to have attended Stony Brook and I am very appreciative of all that SB President Kenny has done during her tenure as President, to bring Stony Brook to the level that it is, both as a world renown research institution, and simultaneously as a very special university where the tone, tenor and feeling is one of support for the students, and the entire SB community. In my opinion, she has been, and continues to be, an inspiration of what a dedicated and visionary University president is supposed to be and do.’
According to a US News and World Reports’ survey, the University as a whole only gains 3% of its revenue from alumni contributions. The number has supposedly risen in the last few years. The amount given by alumni to the AA is lesser because alumni donate directly to SBU Advancement and specific departments. The AA budget from funds outside the University is approximately $400,000. At least 5% of this is reserved for scholarships, grants and other award-related purposes.
AA also maintains a Five Year Plan. The current one runs from 2005 through 2010 and outlines the planning and development of the University as a whole. The plan was positively received by President Shirley Strum Kenny after it was worked together and synthesized by Christina Law, Vice President of the Executive Committee, and Mark Saidens, Past President of the AA Board of Directors. The current President is Scott Abrams.
The Stony Brook Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring that donations are properly circulated. More than 95 percent of non-endowed funds donated to the Foundation last year went directly toward the University. The Foundation helped to generate approximately $3.8 million in scholarship awards for academic year 2004-2005.
Undergraduate students continue to benefit through AA because of its coordination of scholarships. According to Mark Saidens, a special committee ‘composed of Alumni Staff, Alumni Board Members and students – undergraduate Alumni Board member and a student assistant who works in the AA Office.’ Skinner elaborated on this: ‘The AA has a Student Awards program which offer both recognition of achievement as well as a monetary award. The AA also contributes $25,000 to the University Scholarship fund. Since there are not many scholarships in place for continuing students, we have tried to fill this need by allocating our scholarship dollars.’ An amount in $2,500 is awarded based on need to high performing students in their respective years – incoming freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and any class year on academic excellence.
As for alumni support to SBU, Skinner said that ‘While we are state school, the majority of our budget does not come from the state, and therefore we rely on the generosity of alumni to support our school…[Our Alumni’s] knowledge, real world experience, and understanding of the ‘real’ world in a practical sense adds depth to the education that students receive.’
If with simply 3% of our support from alumni, SBU can organize so many networking events, imagine the possibilities with a lot more than that. The importance and meaning of giving, was probably best expressed by Saidens, when he said that ”Giving’ involves more than money. When people are able to facilitate networking and help SB students, this equates with investing in the future of the university.’ The linked legacies of SB grads and their impact, both as individuals and as global citizens, are part of what makes a great university even greater.’
