Congratulations to the Class of 2023 from President Maurie McInnis

Dear graduates,

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 — a group of students who have demonstrated, time and again, their commitment to making the world a better place. 

I have often said that we Seawolves are defined by our multi-faceted nature: our ability to collaborate, reach across disciplines, and innovate. And indeed, our graduates today reflect the inspiring diversity of thought and experience at Stony Brook University. We are celebrating the commencement of the country’s next generation of physicians, artists, nurses, scientists, musicians, speech pathologists, authors, journalists, public servants, activists, and so much more. 

What I have noticed particularly about the Class of 2023 is that they are ready to seize opportunities, to demand more and better from society, and to give back  in return. They are a group of creative, dynamic, and service-minded people who will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our shared world. They approach life, and scholarship, with gratitude. Perhaps this quality was forged in the unique and wildly challenging time most of them started their degrees, instilling in them a special kind of integrity and commitment to community. 

You — the Class of 2023 — are the scholars that society needs.  We are undergoing a revolution in technology, a seismic shift in thinking and communicating, a critical call for racial justice and economic reform, and the urgent demand to fight climate change and live more sustainably. I believe you will lead the way as we respond to these opportunities, contributing to our shared world with empathy, creativity,  and community as your guiding principles. I know this because I’ve seen you do it, right here at Stony Brook. 

As you join our more than 200,000 alumni from around the globe, we hope you, like them, will consider Stony Brook University to be a continuing resource and a second home. We look forward to celebrating your many successes for years to come. Congratulations, and I can’t wait to see the difference you’ll make. 

Maurie McInnis
President