Joining an Alumni Group

Get Involved With a Stony Brook Alumni Group

Version: September 2024

We are tremendously grateful to our Stony Brook University alumni volunteers, both near and far from campus, that create meaningful personal and professional connections with other Seawolves, Patriots, Warriors, Soundmen and Baymen (that we now collectively call the “Seawolves”). Our alumni volunteers are essential to the lifelong relationships between alumni and their alma mater. In collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations, these volunteers spearhead initiatives that foster bonds among alumni while also supporting Stony Brook University and its current students.

One of the best ways to engage in alumni volunteer efforts is to participate in an alumni group.

Stony Brook University (“SBU”) alumni groups partner with the Office of Alumni Relations, the Stony Brook University Alumni Association (“SBUAA”), Stony Brook University Advancement and the Stony Brook Foundation (“SBF” or the “Foundation”) in many ways. Here’s a brief synopsis of how these organizations work together:
  • Established in 1965, the SBUAA  is a 501(c)(3) organization whose activities are administered by the Stony Brook University Office of Alumni Relations under the direction of the Stony Brook University Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Stony Brook University Advancement office.
  • The Office of Alumni Relations partners with the Stony Brook University Alumni Association in leading, advising, and supporting alumni engagement activities across the Stony Brook community. Alumni group leaders partner with a liaison from the Office of Alumni Relations in planning group activities.
  • Members of the Stony Brook Advancement team support alumni efforts to raise and donate money to Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine, and they do so in partnership with the SBF. The Foundation was also established in 1965 as a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to advance the goals and strategic plan of Stony Brook University by raising and managing private funds on the University’s behalf. As such, the Foundation manages all alumni and donor-sourced gifts that benefit Stony Brook University.

There are two main types of Stony Brook University alumni groups:
  • Regional Alumni Groups
  • Alumni Affinity Groups
Regional Groups:
  • Have 100 or more Stony Brook University alumni living within an approximate 50-mile radius of a major city/chapter location. The Office of Alumni Relations can query data to show alumni concentration in different regions.
  • Are open to all Stony Brook alumni who are interested in forming and fostering a sense of community in their geographic area.
Affinity Groups:
  • Are open to all Stony Brook University alumni except in cases of student membership being required to join the associated chapter (e.g., alumni Greek organizations, NCAA teams).
  • When possible, affinity groups affiliate with one (or more) currently registered Stony Brook University club or organization, an NCAA athletic team, or a recognized college department or office. The Office of Alumni Relations can help facilitate affiliations. Exceptions may be made for chapters associated with student organizations that no longer exist.
  • Whenever possible, partner with current student affinity leadership and provide support and encouragement for student members and activities.
  • With an academic focus should have the support of the leadership of the relevant school, college, or department such as a chair or dean. The Office of Alumni Relations can support you in this effort.
All groups commit to:
  • Support the mission and values of Stony Brook University and the SBUAA.
  • Maintain a strong working relationship including regular communication with a liaison from the Office of Alumni Relations.
  • Involve as many alumni as possible in group activities by promoting opportunities and responsibilities among alumni.
  • Participate in the philanthropic mission of Stony Brook University, annually, at any level.
  • Encourage fellow alumni to take part in Stony Brook University’s Giving Day and other philanthropic programs to support the university.
  • Participate in programs and events driven by the Office of Alumni Relations such as Homecoming festivities, Annual Alumni Association and/or Athletics Golf Outings, and Dean, Faculty or Presidential Tour gatherings, etc.
  • Plan and execute events or programming on a regular and meaningful basis and submit the event proposal form according to the “event planning timeline” section of this guide. Some groups may host one or two events per year while others may opt for an event every-other year.
  • Refrain from any activities that would jeopardize the SBUAA not-for-profit status. For example, a group cannot be involved in any significant commercial endeavors (i.e., in the business of manufacturing and marketing of a product), and cannot engage in lobbying or political activities.
  • Above all, have fun!
 
To be officially recognized, at least three current leaders of each alumni group must sign an agreement to comply with this alumni group guide.  The Stony Brook University Alumni Association reserves the right to terminate support of any alumni group event that does not abide by the criteria and guidelines set out in these policies, without any liability or obligation.


Regional Alumni Groups

Alumni volunteers lead Stony Brook groups across the United States. Regional Alumni Groups offer a variety of social activities designed to help you expand your network, support current students, and have fun in your area! You can enjoy networking socials, faculty lectures, sporting events, and more by attending one of our regional group’s events.

New Jersey
Contact: Alasdair Lambert, Coordinator, Alumni Engagement,
alasdair.lambert@stonybrook.edu

New York City
Contact: Alasdair Lambert, Coordinator, Alumni Engagement,
alasdair.lambert@stonybrook.edu

Northern California
Contact: Janet Masini, Director of Alumni Programs,  
janet.masini@stonybrook.edu

Southeast Florida (Greater Palm Beach Area)
Contact: Alasdair Lambert, Coordinator, Alumni Engagement,  
alasdair.lambert@stonybrook.edu

Washington, D.C.
Contact: Alasdair Lambert, Coordinator, Alumni Engagement,  
alasdair.lambert@stonybrook.edu


Alumni Affinity Groups

Affinity groups partner with the Office of Alumni Relations to build and nurture opportunities that create a sense of belonging for Stony Brook alumni who share specific affinities such as social or cultural identities, Stony Brook colleges and academic departments, life experiences, membership in a student club or organization, athletics teams, or professional affiliations.

School of Dental Medicine
Contact: Leigh Regan, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement,
leighmarie.regan@stonybrook.edu

Renaissance School of Medicine
Contact: Janet Masini, Director of Alumni Programs, 
janet.masini@stonybrook.edu

School of Nursing 
Contact: Leigh Regan, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement,  
leighmarie.regan@stonybrook.edu
 
School of Health Professions
Contact: Leigh Regan, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement,  
leighmarie.regan@stonybrook.edu

School of Social Welfare
Contact: Leigh Regan, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement,
leighmarie.regan@stonybrook.edu

School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences - Climate and Sustainability
Contact: Janet Masini, Director of Alumni Programs,  
janet.masini@stonybrook.edu

For all below, contact: Robby Griswold, Director of Alumni Affinity Programs,
robby.griswold@stonybrook.edu

Black and Latino Alumni Network
Stony Brook Jewish Alumni Network
Asian American Pacific Islander Mentorship Network
LGBTQIA+ Stony Brook Alumni Community

The Stony Brook Football Club Team
Contact: Andrea Lebedinski, Director of Lifelong & Athletics Engagement,
andrea.lebedinski@stonybrook.edu

For all below, contact: Robby Griswold, Director of Alumni Affinity Programs,
robby.griswold@stonybrook.edu

The Spirit of Stony Brook Alumni Band
Student Ambassador Alumni Network
Stony Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps Alumni
Ice Hockey Club Alumni

For all below, contact: Andrea Lebedinski, Director of Lifelong & Athletics Engagement,
andrea.lebedinski@stonybrook.edu

Graduates of the Last Decade 
The Founders Alumni Group

For all below, contact: Robby Griswold,Director of Alumni Affinity Programs,
robby.griswold@stonybrook.edu

Stony Brook Kappas Alumni



For all below, contact: Andrea Lebedinski, Director of Lifelong & Athletics Engagement,
andrea.lebedinski@stonybrook.edu

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Alumni