Today, Stony Brook University celebrated the graduation of over 7,600 students at LaValle Stadium. The event marked the commencement for the Class of 2025, who received a total of 7,640 degrees and certificates. Attendees had the option to participate in person or watch via livestream.
The graduating class includes students from 65 countries and 46 states, with ages ranging from 16 to 82. Interim President Richard L. McCormick, Provost Carl Lejuez, and University Deans conferred the degrees.
Dr. McCormick addressed the graduates by saying: “Graduates, remember that success is not only about the achievements and milestones you will have as alumni of this great institution. It is about how you treat and support the people around you."
Carl E. Heastie, Speaker of the New York State Assembly and a Stony Brook alumnus, also spoke at the ceremony.
Student speaker Amira Gbagba shared her thoughts: “Statistically speaking, someone in this graduating class is going to do something huge... And that someone? It could be you.”
Additionally, more than $11,800 was collected through donations as part of the Senior Class Gift organized by the Undergraduate Student Government.