College of Arts and Sciences

The Difference You Make

The annual event celebrates the excellence of students, faculty and staff in our community.

View photos from the 2026 Difference You Make celebration
A group of smiling people stand in front of a backdrop with the Stony Brook University College of Arts and Sciences logo flanked with red and white balloons;

 

 

 

Faculty and Staff Retirees

  • Bernadette Holdener, Biochemistry and Cell Biology
  • Pamela Wolfskill, Biochemistry and Cell Biology
  • Shikaripur N. Sridhar,  Asian and Asian American Studies
  • April Musano, Chemistry
  • Susan Scarf Merrell, Creative Writing, Film and Television
  • Amy Hempel, Creative Writing, Film and Television
  • Shirley Lim, History
  • Antonio Toscano, Languages and Cultural Studies
  • Robert Lazarsfeld, Mathematics
  • William Collins, Neurobiology and Behavior
  • Catherine Costanzo, Neurobiology and Behavior
  • Peter Carravetta, Philosophy
  • Lorenzo Simpson, Philosophy
  • Dmitri Kharzeev, Physics and Astronomy
  • MaryAnn Duffy, Department of Writing and Rhetoric
  • Thomas Tousey, Department of  Writing and RhetoricGodfrey Excellence in Teaching Awards/john S. Toll Endowed award for teaching excellence 
A group of four people stand in front of a backdrop with the Stony Brook University College of Arts and Sciences logo. One person holds a gift bag.
 

Godfrey Excellence in Teaching / John S. Toll Endowed Award

    Each year, students from across the College are invited to nominate faculty for the Godfrey Excellence in Teaching Award, named in honor of our longtime colleague, the late Aaron (Bill) Godfrey, whose 53-year career at Stony Brook impacted the lives of so many students. Recipients are selected in each of five areas.

    The John S. Toll Endowed Award for Teaching Excellence at Stony Brook University is presented to a faculty member based on their exceptional teaching and passion for their field of study, as well as for the mentorship of students. 

    Recipients of these awards are selected by the Dean’s Student Leadership Advisory Council. 

    Jennie Allen, Creative Writing, Film and Television
    Fine Arts
    John S. Toll Endowed Award for Teaching Excellence

    Joy Bolger, Psychology
    Social Sciences

    Daniela Flesler, Hispanic Languages and Literature
    Humanities

    Evita Nestoridi, Mathematics
    Physical Sciences

    Natasha Vitek, Ecology and Evolution 
    Life Sciences

four people stand in front of a backdrop with the Stony Brook University College of Arts and Sciences logo; balloons are displayed at the top left. One person holds two certificates.
 

Staff Excellence Awards

    Our staff are an integral part of the College, providing exceptional support and service to our community. These individuals are the backbone of the College, recognized for the excellence demonstrated in their positions and their extraordinary dedication and commitment.

    Lynne Barnett, Assistant to the Chair
    Mathematics

    Lois Carter, Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs and Personnel
    CAS Office of the Dean 

    Diane DeSimone, Undergraduate Program Coordinator
    Psychology

    Brian Frank, Assistant to the Chair
    Linguistics

    Sandhya Muralidharan, Assistant Director of Laboratories
    Chemistry
Six people stand in front of a backdrop with the Stony Brook University College of Arts and Sciences logo; balloons border the left side of the backdrop. Wolfie, the Stony Brook University mascot, kneels in front of the group.