Recommended Naming Resolution - Alan S. deVries Center

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Stony Brook Council approve naming the GLS/HDV Center the “Alan S. deVries Center” in Recognition of Lifetime Achievement and Contributions to Advance the Mission of Stony Brook University.

BACKGROUND

WHEREAS, Alan S. deVries, a proud alumnus of the Classes of '80 and '87, has dedicated an extraordinary 44 years of involvement and nearly 40 years of distinguished, professional service to Stony Brook University; and

WHEREAS, his lifelong commitment to student life began during his undergraduate years, where he served as a Resident Assistant in Hand College, laying the foundation for his student-centered philosophy; and

WHEREAS, Mr. deVries began his professional career in August 1981, serving in his first full-time role as a Residence Hall Director in James College, and eventually earning the rank of Director of Housing Administration; and

WHEREAS, he embodied the resilience of a first-generation student who worked full-time to afford his education, serving as a trusted colleague, mentor, and source of inspiration who was always willing to go above and beyond all expectations; and WHEREAS, his professional conduct has been defined by his honesty and insights, sharing his wisdom and perspective while always remaining diplomatic and exhibiting deep caring; and

WHEREAS, he demonstrated exceptional, measurable professional impact by expanding the University's housing footprint by over 3,500 beds during his tenure in Campus Residences, significantly increasing the institution's capacity to serve its growing student body; and

WHEREAS, he created gender-inclusive housing and supported housing-insecure students and students who had aged out of the foster care system in New York State, ensuring the university provided a caring community and a home for its most vulnerable members; and

WHEREAS, he managed complex operations, including the expansion of Summer Conference Housing and the development of the housing program at the Southampton Campus; and

WHEREAS, he consistently produced work of outstanding quality, dedicating himself to the needs and emergencies that are part of a 24/7 housing operation; and

WHEREAS, his influence extended far beyond the scope of what the position required, as he was instrumental in shaping campus traditions, including the Welcome Wagon Program and the creation of the Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band; and

WHEREAS, his stated hope for his legacy—that he "made a difference in the lives of our students and the University community as a whole"—is a testament to his service, which earned him the Steel Magnolia Student Life Award in May 2017.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE STONY BROOK COUNCIL, THAT:

IN recognition of his nearly 40 years of dedicated service and being a Seawolf through and through, the GLS/HDV Center shall be officially renamed the Alan S. deVries Center.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT:

Stony Brook University recognizes the extraordinary and indelible legacy of Alan deVries, celebrating his unwavering commitment to student success and his transformative contributions to the Stony Brook residential community.

The Stony Brook Local Council authorizes Chair, Kevin Law, to transmit this resolution to the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York.

February 9, 2026