In 1960, Governor Nelson Rockefeller and the State Board of Regents challenged the leaders of Stony Brook to build a university that would stand with the finest in the country. In less than 50 years and on land donated, in part, by local philanthropist Ward Melville, what has emerged is a university that has become one of America's greatest educational success stories. Every day, the Stony Brook story is revitalized through its ambitious and talented students, superb faculty, and bold teaching and research programs.
President Shirley Strum Kenny and her administration have moved Stony Brook forward so that we have met and exceeded Governor Rockefeller's challenge. But we have only just begun. With the launching of our first comprehensive campaign with a goal of $300 million, we celebrate the Emergence of Stony Brook, and we reaffirm our commitment to invest in our faculty, our students, our research, teaching, clinical programs, and our facilities.
Sustaining Stony Brook's remarkable trajectory requires the active participation and investment of our alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations who share Ward Melville's passion, vision, and spirit of generosity towards the future of this great institution.