A Message from Dean Martin Schoonen

Greetings to the inaugural class at Stony Brook Southampton. I am proud to welcome you to our campus, where we will work together to shape a better future for our world.

When the idea for Stony Brook Southampton began, we envisaged our trailblazing class having certain characteristics: an adventurous spirit, creativity, and dedication. Such a class could well be at the forefront of major developments to secure a sustainable future. Now you are one of those students, and you are in the right place to make it happen.

Stony Brook Southampton is part of a major research university that is ranked among the top two percent of all universities in the world. It is also part of a rich cultural, social, and environmental community in which the resources to study important problems and come up with solutions are close at hand.

In our small classes you’ll work side by side with the most dedicated faculty to be found anywhere. You’ll get hands-on experience and plenty of individual attention. Every week at informal Chats with the Dean you’ll meet artists, policy makers, environmentalists, planners, writers, and other leaders in the movement toward sustainability who will inspire you. And there are nearly unlimited ways to make your mark on campus, from planting an organic garden to participating in student government to starting a hiking club.

This year is very important for all of us. You are more than a Stony Brook Southampton student: you are a member of a special class. While you are here you will not only help shape the campus and the curriculum, but you’ll start a legacy that future students will carry forward.

My best wishes to all of you, and I look forward to working with you.

Martin Schoonen
Dean, Stony Brook Southampton