As part of Stony Brook University’s 2025 Homecoming, President Andrea Goldsmith participated in a public Q&A session titled “Meet the President: Connecting Past, Present and Future” on October 23 at the Charles B. Wang Center Theater. The event brought together faculty, staff, alumni, and students to discuss the university’s direction under Goldsmith’s leadership.
The evening began with a video featuring alumni reflecting on their time at Stony Brook. Remarks highlighted Goldsmith’s background in engineering and research, her entrepreneurial experience, and her commitment to public education.
Goldsmith, joined by Interim Vice President for Advancement Scott Barrett, answered questions about her vision for the university since she took office in August. She emphasized Stony Brook’s mission of providing access and promoting upward mobility for its students. “We educate students for their entire dimension of professional and personal success,” she said. Goldsmith added that she feels “incredibly honored to be leading this university” and views her role as a trust to “take this university to new heights of excellence and impact.”
She outlined goals for the next decade that include increasing tuition access for first-generation students, expanding entrepreneurship and innovation throughout Long Island and New York City, and significantly growing the endowment to support student aid and faculty recruitment. Goldsmith stated: “I think that Stony Brook and New York State, driven by Stony Brook, can surpass California as an important hub.”
A recent $300 million state investment in a quantum innovation and research hub at Stony Brook was described as crucial for advancing these objectives. “The governor… invested $300 million in a quantum innovation and research hub here at Stony Brook, to ensure that we continue to be the world leader in this advanced technology and all of the surrounding technologies.” She discussed quantum networking infrastructure for secure communications and referenced collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Audience members echoed themes raised by Goldsmith such as access, community impact, research growth, student experience, and healthcare needs. Stacy Jaffee Gropack, dean of the School of Health Professions said: “I think it’s amazing. There’s a lot of excellent initiatives that really represent what we’re doing as a public university; serving our community is going to be a driving force and moving us in that direction.” Gropack noted new initiatives focused on community health promotion with about 20 programs aligned with those goals.
Anjanette Schildhorn, assistant director of advancement events remarked: “to share her vision… She’s very enthusiastic and very optimistic.” Nicole Morris from Student Affairs commented on Goldsmith's approachability: she’s “truly authentic, genuine, and approachable,” expressing hope people would connect with her.
Questions addressed topics such as how new investments will affect the university's presence in New York City as well as healthcare plans at the Southampton campus. Goldsmith spoke about expanding healthcare capacity there along with arts programming and lifelong learning initiatives. She also pointed out Stony Brook's leadership role in The New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island as an example of extending its influence beyond campus.
In closing remarks Goldsmith said: “There is nothing that I’ve seen about this university that I don’t think can be overcome, especially working together with all of our stakeholders and with all of you.” Afterward attendees gathered for dinner at a reception.