The Student News Site of Stony Brook University

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The Student News Site of Stony Brook University

The Statesman
The Student News Site of Stony Brook University

The Statesman
All content by Alek Lewis
The outside of the administration building in March 2020. The RABIA GURSOY/STATESMAN FILE

SUNY students will need to be vaccinated to attend in-person in the fall

Alek Lewis
May 12, 2021
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An Anti-Asian violence vigil in April 2021 on Stony Brook University campus. JOCELYN CRUZ/THE STATESMAN

Stony Brook University hosts Asian American and Pacific Islander anti-racism forum

Alek Lewis
May 6, 2021
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Students throwing their graduation caps up into the air. PULIC DOMAIN

Stony Brook will allow two in-person guests per graduate at commencement

Alek Lewis
April 23, 2021
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A fossil fuel plant from the New York state website. PUBLIC DOMAIN

SUNY faculty and staff push for retirement fund to divest from fossil fuel investments

Alek Lewis
April 18, 2021
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The seating in Stony Brook's Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. NARA HWANG/STATESMAN FILE

NYS outlines preliminary guidance on in-person graduation ceremonies

Alek Lewis
April 13, 2021
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The logo for Stony Brook's Undergraduate Student Government (USG). STATESMAN FILE

Manjot Singh elected USG President

Alek Lewis
April 10, 2021
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The outside of the Stony Brook Union. SHAH ALI HAIDER SHANTO/THE STATESMAN

Students can schedule appointment for Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

Alek Lewis
April 6, 2021
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Students walking outside of Stony Brook University's Student Activities Center (SAC).SARA RUBERG/ STATESMAN FILE

Most classes will be in-person in Fall 2021

Alek Lewis
April 6, 2021
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The logo for Stony Brook's Undergraduate Student Government (USG). STATESMAN FILE

USG Executive Council candidates outline their priorities for ongoing election

Alek Lewis and Maya Brown
March 31, 2021
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The mass vaccination site at Stony Brook University. As of March 23, 100,000 people have been vaccinated here. SARA RUBERG/THE STATESMAN

Stony Brook University has administered over 100,000 vaccines

Alek Lewis
March 26, 2021
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The outside of the administration building in March 2020. The RABIA GURSOY/STATESMAN FILE

Commencement will be in-person this spring

Alek Lewis
March 21, 2021
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A frontline healthcare worker receiving the vaccine at Stony Brook University. ALEK LEWIS/THE STATESMAN

NYS expands vaccine access for SUNY employees, confirms vaccination site at SBU Southampton

Alek Lewis
March 12, 2021
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The outside of the School of Dental Medicine. CAMRON WANG/THE STATESMAN

SBU dental clinic closes temporarily for renovations

Alek Lewis
March 8, 2021
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The Center for Global Studies and Human Development, also known as GLS, is a testing site for Stony Brook University residential students. SHAH ALI HAIDER SHANTO

SBU experiences a small spike of COVID-19 cases in residential students

Alek Lewis
February 28, 2021
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A picture of a gene. PUBLIC DOMAIN

SBU genetics professor named fellow for yeast cell research

Alek Lewis and James Bowen
February 28, 2021
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Stony Brook's Administration Building in September 2018. EMMA HARRIS/STATESMAN FILE

NY plans to reduce 2021-22 higher education budget, even if state gets preferred federal support

Alek Lewis
February 17, 2021
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Stony Brook University's campus on Feb. 1 after a snowstorm. Classes will SARA RUBERG/THE STATESMAN

Update: SBU cancels classes after Nor’easter puts Suffolk in a state of emergency

Alek Lewis
February 1, 2021
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Outside of the Stony Brook University Hospital. EMMA HARRIS/STATESMAN FILE

SBU Medicine Task Force discusses improving revenue and expanding student clinical practice

Alek Lewis
January 27, 2021
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College of Natural Sciences Dean Paul Goldbart poses for a portrait on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. Dr. Goldart will be stepping down from the Executive Vice President and Provost position. PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

Paul Goldbart appointed SBU provost and executive vice president

Alek Lewis
January 22, 2021
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A frontline healthcare worker receiving the vaccine at Stony Brook University. ALEK LEWIS/THE STATESMAN

New York state names SBU a point of distribution in COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Alek Lewis
January 21, 2021
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Outside of the Stony Brook University Hospital. EMMA HARRIS/STATESMAN FILE

Dean of the School of Medicine and Senior Vice President of Health Sciences to retire from SBU after 11 years

Alek Lewis
January 14, 2021
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Police responding to a bomb threat in the chemistry building on RABIA GURSOY/THE STATESMAN

SBU police respond to potential bomb threat in the chemistry building

Alek Lewis
January 14, 2021
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Video: SBU distributes Moderna vaccine to frontline workers

Alek Lewis
January 4, 2021
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Outside of the Stony Brook University Hospital. EMMA HARRIS/STATESMAN FILE

As NY starts to administer vaccines, Stony Brook Medicine pushes to become a vaccine distribution center

Alek Lewis and Matina Douzenis
December 15, 2020
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A laptop sitting next to some notebooks. AMY CHEN/STATESMAN FILE

SBU is considering changing its virtual workspace from Google to Microsoft

Alek Lewis
December 11, 2020
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Stony Brook University's Amazon pick up location when it first opened. JIMENEZ/STATESMAN FILE

Stony Brook University’s Amazon location closes after four years

Alek Lewis
November 17, 2020
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The Stony Brook University Administration Building. EMMA HARRIS/ STATESMAN FILE

SBU issues a budget initiative update, outlines task forces and their roles in the initiative

Alek Lewis
November 16, 2020
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The outside of the administration building in March 2020. The RABIA GURSOY/STATESMAN FILE

SBU extends G/P/NC deadline again, allows students to apply the policy to two classes

Alek Lewis
November 10, 2020
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Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris are projected to be the President and Vice President of the United States. PUBLIC DOMAIN

Joe Biden wins the presidency, Republicans win eastern Suffolk state elections, projected results show

Alek Lewis
November 8, 2020
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A screenshot of the student petition on Change.org to reinstate the Pass/No credit option this semester. SCREENSHOT OF CHANGE>ORG PETITION

SBU extends G/P/NC deadline after 2,000 sign petition

Alek Lewis
October 21, 2020
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Dr. Deborah Birx visits SBU to discuss university and hospital pandemic response

Dr. Deborah Birx visits SBU to discuss university and hospital pandemic response

Alek Lewis
October 12, 2020
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A sign that says, "Do I: A) Pay To Eat B) Pay My Fees" shown on a car during the graduate studentALEK LEWIS/THE STATESMAN

Graduate students protest increased student fees

Alek Lewis
September 20, 2020
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The logo for Stony Brook's Undergraduate Student Government (USG). STATESMAN FILE

Huntley Spencer elected as USG President, Student Activity Fee remains mandatory

Alek Lewis
September 13, 2020
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The logo for Stony Brook's Undergraduate Student Government (USG). STATESMAN FILE

2020 USG Election and Student Activity Fee Referendum begin

Alek Lewis, Maya Brown, and Niki Nassiri
September 9, 2020
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The President of Stony Brook Volunteer Corp (SBVAC), Nikhil Bamarajpet, talking to another member of SBVAC. SARA RUBERG/THE STATESMAN

Student volunteer EMS continue serving the campus through the COVID-19 pandemic

Alek Lewis
September 3, 2020
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Students moving into their dorms at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year. SARA RUBERG/STATESMAN FILE

17 Stony Brook students test positive for COVID-19

Alek Lewis and Maya Brown
September 2, 2020
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RABIA GURSOY /THE STATESMAN

Stony Brook University reports the first case of COVID-19 on campus during the fall semester

Alek Lewis
August 31, 2020
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The official banner for The State University of New York (SUNY).PUBLIC DOMAIN

Jim Malatras, Empire State College President and SUNY graduate, appointed as SUNY Chancellor

Alek Lewis
August 30, 2020
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The Stony Brook University Administration Building on September 8th, 2018. EMMA HARRIS/ STATESMAN FILE

COVID-19 cripples the SBU’s finances, causing hiring freezes and “systematic changes” to future budgets

Alek Lewis
August 20, 2020
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A screenshot of the Change.org petition started by Stony Brook University students. The administration has since rolled back the policies that were petitioned. SCREENSHOT OF CHANGE.ORG PETITION

COVID-19 campus residences liability policies roll back after student backlash

Alek Lewis
August 3, 2020
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The Graduate School, located in the old Computer Science building.EMMA HARRIS/STATESMAN FILE

SBU Graduate School waives the GRE test admissions requirement for the next two years

Alek Lewis
July 21, 2020
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Students moving into their dorms at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year. SARA RUBERG/STATESMAN FILE

Students returning to campus may have to take mandatory COVID-19 test

Alek Lewis
July 10, 2020
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The Tabler quad building at Stony Brook University on May 21. JORDAN REED/STATESMAN FILE

Stony Brook University outlines facility reopening changes for the fall 2020 semester

Alek Lewis
June 29, 2020
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A Black Lives Matter protest in Stony Brook, NY on June 7. The protest is one of many around the nation that have been happening in response to police brutality and systemic racism. ALEK LEWIS/THE STATESMAN

Hundreds of locals gather in Stony Brook to protest police brutality

Alek Lewis
June 15, 2020
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Stony Brook's Black Lives Matter protests

Stony Brook’s Black Lives Matter protests

Alek Lewis
June 12, 2020
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Executive director of alumni relations leaves Stony Brook University

Alek Lewis
June 12, 2020
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The outside of the administration building in March 2020. The RABIA GURSOY/STATESMAN FILE

Stony Brook University updates students on initial plans for the fall

Alek Lewis
June 4, 2020
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The official banner for The State University of New York (SUNY).PUBLIC DOMAIN

SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson resigns to become president of Ohio State

Alek Lewis
June 3, 2020
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The Black Lives Matter protests taking place in Cincinnati, OH on May 31, 2020. Stony Brook University made an official statement in reaction to nationwide protests after the murder of George Floyd.SARA RUBERG/THE STATESMAN

Stony Brook University administration releases a statement addressing the death of George Floyd

Alek Lewis
June 2, 2020
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The Academic Mall on Stony Brook University's main campus. This year, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Stony Brook as the 80th-best college in the country. ARACELY JIMENEZ/STATESMAN FILE

Suffolk County government partners with Stony Brook University as they continue reopening process

Alek Lewis
May 5, 2020
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Stony Brook University School of Medicine's new three-year medical degree will accept a maximum of 15 students for its first year. LUIS RUIZ DOMINGUEZ/THE STATESMAN

Stony Brook University medical students will graduate April 8

Alek Lewis
April 7, 2020
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"Far Beyond" signage in the Academic Mall. EMMA HARRIS/THE STATESMAN

How the CARES Act affects students and higher education

Alek Lewis
April 3, 2020
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The home of the Stony Brook University basketball teams, Island Federal Arena. SARA RUBERG/STATESMAN FILE

Stony Brook University will be used as a temporary hospital, Cuomo says

Alek Lewis
March 23, 2020
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The COVID-19 virus. PUBLIC DOMAIN

It’s our civic responsibility to do our part in containing COVID-19

Alek Lewis
March 22, 2020
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SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson. PUBLIC DOMAIN

Commencement will be rescheduled if necessary, chancellor says

Alek Lewis
March 21, 2020
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo on campus in the Student Activities Center on April 11, 2019. Cuomo announced that all non-essential workers must stay home. GARY GHAYRAT/STATESMAN FILE

Cuomo orders all of New York’s non-essential workforce to stay home

Maya Brown and Alek Lewis
March 21, 2020
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Student Debt graphics board. MAIALISA/FLICKR VIA CC BY SA 2.0

New York temporarily freezes state-owed student loan debt

Alek Lewis
March 18, 2020
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"Far Beyond" signage in the Academic Mall. EMMA HARRIS/THE STATESMAN

Student Engagement and Activities tries to recoup club financial losses

Alek Lewis
March 17, 2020
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Students walking outside of Stony Brook University's Student Activities Center (SAC).SARA RUBERG/ STATESMAN FILE

SBU issues laboratory guidelines for potential COVID-19 disruptions

Alek Lewis
March 17, 2020
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Advisory levels provided from the Department of State of the United States, from low to high regarding safety and security risk. PUBLIC DOMAIN

SBU warns students against international travel

Alek Lewis
March 16, 2020
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo on campus in the Student Activities Center on April 11, 2019. Cuomo announced that all non-essential workers must stay home. GARY GHAYRAT/STATESMAN FILE

Cuomo calls for increased federal support to treat and contain coronavirus cases on New York schools start to close

Alek Lewis
March 15, 2020
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Map of Suffolk County in New York State. PUBLIC DOMAIN

Suffolk County declares state of emergency and New York bans large gatherings, as coronavirus cases increase

Alek Lewis
March 14, 2020
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The COVID-19 virus. PUBLIC DOMAIN

World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic

Alek Lewis
March 11, 2020
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Outside of the Stony Brook University Hospital. EMMA HARRIS/STATESMAN FILE

Five new people in Suffolk test positive for COVID-19, three quarantined at Stony Brook University Hospital

Alek Lewis
March 11, 2020
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The COVID-19 virus. PUBLIC DOMAIN

Suffolk County sees first confirmed coronavirus case

Brianne Ledda and Alek Lewis
March 8, 2020
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Stony Brook South Hampton.MELISSA AZOFEIFA/THE STATESMAN

26 SUNY students undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine at Stony Brook Southampton

Alek Lewis
March 8, 2020
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The COVID-19 virus. PUBLIC DOMAIN

COVID-19: Stony Brook students petition to shut down campus

Alek Lewis
March 6, 2020
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Stony Brook University presidential search narrows down to three candidates

Alek Lewis
March 3, 2020
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SUNY and CUNY students talk to the legislative director of state senator James Gaughran. ALEK LEWIS/THE STATESMAN

Students represent SBU on Higher Education Action Day

Alek Lewis and Fanni Frankl
March 1, 2020
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The official logo of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP Image Awards are on Feb. 29 in the SAC Ballroom A at 7 pm. PUBLIC DOMAIN

NAACP image award nominees talk nominations and Black History Month

Alek Lewis
February 24, 2020
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Outside of the Stony Brook University Hospital. EMMA HARRIS/STATESMAN FILE

Stony Brook University Hospital promotes Interim CEO Carol Gomes to permanent position

Alek Lewis
February 21, 2020
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PHOTO CREDIT: STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Competition encourages students to showcase their learning through technology

Alek Lewis
February 16, 2020
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Yoga standing in water. PUBLIC DOMAIN

Onion Bagel: Babies will be our entertainment overlords

Alek Lewis
February 9, 2020
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SAC Market TheALEK LEWIS/THE STATESMAN

New SAC Market opens at the Student Activities Center

Alek Lewis
February 2, 2020
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Advisory levels provided from the Department of State of the United States, from low to high regarding safety and security risk. PUBLIC DOMAIN

SBU shuts down trips to China after federal travel advisory

Alek Lewis and Brianne Ledda
January 31, 2020
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Petition for Smoothie Spot on change.org. SCREENSHOT OF CHANGE.ORG

Students petition after FSA negotiations with student-owned smoothie truck go sour

Alek Lewis
January 26, 2020
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Kenneth P. Lavalle Stadium, home to Stony Brook athletics, including football. SARA RUBERG/STATESMAN FILE

State Senator Kenneth LaValle will not seek re-election in 2020

Alek Lewis
January 25, 2020
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Skyler Johnson, a 19-year old campaigning for the 2020 Democratic nomination to run for the District 1 New York State Senate seat against 42-year incumbent Kenneth P. LaValle (R-Port Jefferson).COURTESY OF SKYLER JOHNSON

Local student seeks Democratic nomination to challenge state senator Kenneth LaValle

Alek Lewis
January 2, 2020
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Poster for the Brookfest 2020 Artist Poll. COURTESY OF USG

The USG concert series is a failure

Alek Lewis
December 8, 2019
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Official poster for "The Mandalorian. PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Mandalorian” Season one midseason review: Disney Plus’ “Star Wars” hit!

Alek Lewis
December 1, 2019
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The cover of the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game. PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order”: A story-driven experience fans will love

Alek Lewis
November 24, 2019
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USG President Shaheer Khan speaks at the town hall on Wednesday, Nov. 13 in Frey. SARA RUBERG/THE STATESMAN

Highlights from USG Town Hall

Emma Harris, Alek Lewis, Alexander Bakirdan, and Brianne Ledda
November 22, 2019
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SBU hosts pharmaceutical take back effort to raise awareness

Alek Lewis
November 18, 2019
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Pianist Gilbert Kalish, left, and baritone singer Randal Scarlata, right, presented music from Schuberts final year at the Staller Center on Wednesday, Nov. 6. ALEK LEWIS/THE STATESMAN

Gilbert Kalish and Randall Scarlata Perform songs from Schubert’s final year at the Staller Center

Alek Lewis
November 11, 2019
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Official poster for Body Shots. PUBLIC DOMAIN

Bert Kreischer’s “Body Shots” world tour shakes The Paramount with anecdotal hilarity.

Alek Lewis
November 3, 2019
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Logo for Apple TV Plus. PROPERTY OF APPLE

November sees the launch of new streaming services Apple TV+ and Disney+

Alek Lewis
November 3, 2019
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Take a Stand/Walk With Me March ALEK LEWIS/THE STATESMAN

“Take a Stand: Walk with Me” march preaches message of awareness for domestic violence

Alek Lewis
October 27, 2019
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The poster for the off broadway show called A Little Shop of Horrors. PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Little Shop of Horrors” Off-Broadway Review: a must-see energetic musical led by Jonathan Groff

Alek Lewis
October 27, 2019
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Official poster for "Joker" starring Joaquin Phoenix. PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Joker”: A deep dive into the origins of a beloved madman 

Alek Lewis
October 26, 2019
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Mental Health Comedy Tour, hosted by Preston Gitlin and headlined by Joe Matarese, came to the Tabler Arts Center at Stony Brook University on Oct. 17. ALEK LEWIS/THE STATESMAN

The Mental Health Comedy tour comes to Stony Brook University

Alek Lewis
October 26, 2019
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Renewable and compostable straws in East Side Dining. SARA RUBERG/ THE STATESMAN

Stony Brook dining halls turn away from single-use plastics

Alek Lewis
October 25, 2019
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College Republicans invite Suffolk County Republican candidates to SBU

College Republicans invite Suffolk County Republican candidates to SBU

Alek Lewis
October 16, 2019
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Stony Brook professor wins 2020 Breakthrough Prize in physics

Stony Brook professor wins 2020 Breakthrough Prize in physics

Alek Lewis
October 12, 2019
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Red Book is the newest mental health resource at SBU

Red Book is the newest mental health resource at SBU

Alek Lewis
October 8, 2019
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SBU remembers Professor David L. Ferguson in campus memorial service

SBU remembers Professor David L. Ferguson in campus memorial service

Alek Lewis
October 4, 2019
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Stony Brook announces new accessible Minor in Filmmaking

Stony Brook announces new accessible Minor in Filmmaking

Alek Lewis
September 29, 2019
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Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself”: A comedy special unique in characters and perspective

Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself”: A comedy special unique in characters and perspective

Alek Lewis
September 29, 2019
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“Bill Burr: Paper Tiger”: Another hilarious critique of politically correct culture

“Bill Burr: Paper Tiger”: Another hilarious critique of politically correct culture

Alek Lewis
September 22, 2019
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Italian professor delivers seminar on male gender history at SBU

Italian professor delivers seminar on male gender history at SBU

Alek Lewis
September 22, 2019
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Ryan Hamilton at The Paramount: A crowd-pleaser deserving of a second Netflix special

Ryan Hamilton at The Paramount: A crowd-pleaser deserving of a second Netflix special

Alek Lewis
September 17, 2019
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