As the Stony Brook University Campus comes back to life after facing a year of Pandemic-style learning, the University celebrated the opening of its new state-of-the-art Student Union. The new Union is designed to be a high-energy, inclusive space where all students can feel welcomed, and the robust presence from the Stony Brook Campus Community at the event revealed that sentiment.
SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras, who attended the celebration, said, “As we are fully reopening our campuses, you feel a renewed energy and optimism from everyone around, and for the students at Stony Brook University, what better way to celebrate them than this new state-of-the-art student union. Our students deserve this and it matches the outstanding education they receive from this university, one of the best in the world. My thanks to the New York state Legislature for the critical funding that made this building a reality, and to President McInnis and her team for their dedication and boundless enthusiasm to do all they can to give our students the best that higher education can offer.”
The new 177,000-square-foot Union is the result of three years of renovations at $63.4 million dollars. The stunning building features three levels dedicated to student services and student-centric spaces, a main lobby that supports studying and collaborative learning through comfortable seating, powered stations, more than 3,500 square feet of tutoring space, and an IT help desk.
The Student Union will also now become a central location for offices and departments that are student-facing, providing easy access and convenience. The newly designated and centralized Office of Student Life has combined Student Engagement & Activities, Student Community Development, Commuter Student Services, and Fraternity and Sorority Life.
The lower level offers additional resources, including a Club Hub, ESports Club, Interfaith Center, and an enhanced space for the Stony Brook Food Pantry — available to students, faculty and staff. It also houses the oldest existing club on campus — the Science Fiction Forum.
“The Stony Brook Union has been a pillar on our campus for more than 50 years,” said President Maurie McInnis. “Originally opening in 1970, little more than a decade after the inception of Stony Brook University, the Union symbolized the rapid growth of our institution and its meteoric rise in both reputation and ability to serve a dynamic and diverse range of students. After the long year we’ve all experienced, it is so satisfying it is to be honoring a space entirely dedicated to our community.”
The Union was designed by architectural firm Spectorgroup.
Photo caption: From left: President Maurie McInnis, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras, GSO speaker Helena Van Nieuwenhuizen, USG President Manjot Singh, Kevin Law, and Dean of Students, Ric McClendon, cut the ribbon. Additional images available upon request. Photos courtesy of Stony Brook University.
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