Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick delivered his first State of the University address on September 26, 2024. The event was attended by faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, healthcare workers, elected representatives, and local community members.
Dr. McCormick expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the Stony Brook community. He shared that he felt at home immediately due to his extensive experience on public university campuses. McCormick recounted growing up near Rutgers University where his father was a history professor and where he later served as president after spending sixteen years on the history faculty.
In his address, Dr. McCormick highlighted Stony Brook's significant achievements and milestones. He noted the university's historic enrollment increase of first-year students this fall, stating, “Their presence testifies to our university’s reputation as a top choice for talented, diverse, and ambitious students from all backgrounds across New York State, the nation, and the world.” He also mentioned that over forty percent of undergraduates receive federal Pell grants and that these students graduate at a rate slightly higher than their peers.
McCormick praised Stony Brook for having its best fundraising year in history with $655 million in contributions, including $563 million directed to the endowment. He acknowledged the passing of Dr. James Simons and highlighted the significant impact made by Dr. Simons and his wife Dr. Marilyn Simons through their support and generosity.
The address also recognized Stony Brook Medicine's contributions to community health through various programs at Stony Brook University Hospital and other facilities. McCormick pointed out that Stony Brook University Hospital is one of the first eight hospitals in the U.S. to attain Health Care Equity Certification from The Joint Commission and is Long Island’s only institution to achieve this level of certification.
While celebrating these accomplishments, Dr. McCormick identified some institutional challenges but remained optimistic about overcoming them together as a community. He urged everyone to elevate the university further: “Let’s take our university to the next level. Let’s be a true flagship. We can do it together.”
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