Stony Brook University played a prominent role in the 2025 SUNY State of the University Address and Campus Showcase. The event took place on May 21 at the Lewis A. Swyer Theatre at The Egg in Albany, with State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. delivering the address.
During his speech, Chancellor King and the SUNY Board of Trustees announced increased investments aimed at supporting students, faculty, staff, and research amidst national higher education budget cuts. "At SUNY, we are pressing forward, guided by our values, delivering for our students, our communities, and our state," said King. He emphasized optimism based on progress and results.
Governor Kathy Hochul also highlighted New York's commitment to providing quality education through SUNY. "My administration has provided historic funding for our public universities because we understand that an investment in SUNY is an investment in the New York workforce," she stated.
King acknowledged Stony Brook University's contributions to meeting challenges faced by New York State and beyond. He mentioned Eden Figueroa from Stony Brook’s Department of Physics and Astronomy as co-chairing the Quantum Task Force focused on advancing quantum information science and technology (QIST). Additionally, Stony Brook serves as an anchor institution for The New York Climate Exchange and co-chairs the Climate and Sustainability Research Task Force.
The chancellor highlighted initiatives like the SUNY Brain Institute where researchers from Stony Brook are exploring strategies to combat Alzheimer's Disease-related memory loss. Furthermore, he noted Stony Brook's involvement in developing an AI platform for vaccine development through the Empire AI Consortium.
The address featured a performance by Tom Manuel, founder of The Jazz Loft, alongside SBU Jazz alumni Martin Isenberg and current DMA jazz students Dario Chiazzolino and Dennis Bulhoes.
Wolfie represented Stony Brook at the Campus Showcase with other SUNY mascots.