Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick visited Washington, D.C., on April 2 to meet with members of the New York congressional delegation and their senior staff. The primary focus of his visit was to advocate for key federal priorities supporting both Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine.
During his discussions, McCormick emphasized the critical need for funding in areas such as science research, higher education programs, student financial aid, and support for public-safety net hospitals. These priorities are fundamental to the missions of both the university and medical institution and have broader implications for the academic and healthcare communities at large.
A central part of McCormick's advocacy efforts was advocating for continued federal investment in scientific research and opposing proposed cuts. Highlighting the role of federal funding in enabling groundbreaking research at leading institutions like Stony Brook, he remarked, “Cuts to federal research funding send a dangerous signal that our nation could walk away from the very advancements that have propelled America as a global leader in science and technology. The 80-year-old compact between the federal government and U.S. research institutions has made America the leader in scientific innovation.”
Beyond scientific research funding, McCormick discussed the importance of maintaining robust support for higher education programs and federal student financial aid. Stressing the need to ensure affordability and accessibility, he pointed out the significance of federal student aid programs like Pell Grants and student loans in providing opportunities for economically disadvantaged students to pursue education without undue financial burdens. Highlighting that over one-third of Stony Brook students receive Pell Grants, he emphasized the importance of continued support for these programs to enable students to reach their potential and contribute to the workforce.
In healthcare, McCormick advocated for sustained federal support for public-safety net hospitals, including Stony Brook University Hospital. He stressed these institutions’ crucial role in delivering high-quality healthcare to underserved populations and argued that they must receive federal funding to maintain their operations.
McCormick also engaged with Stony Brook alumni working on Capitol Hill. These meetings helped keep alumni updated on the university's progress and priorities while bolstering the Stony Brook network in the nation's capital.
This visit is part of a broader advocacy strategy by Stony Brook University’s Office of Federal Relations in collaboration with SUNY’s D.C. Office. They continually engage with the New York congressional delegation, federal agencies, and national higher education and research organizations to advance Stony Brook’s federal priorities in education, financial aid, scientific research, and public healthcare.