Resolution Authorizing the Naming of a Portion of Circle Drive "Erwin Staller Way" 

WHEREAS, Erwin Staller’s generous philanthropy and leadership, notably including the University’s first million-dollar donation with his $1.8 million gift to Staller Center for the Arts in 1988, have helped to build Stony Brook University for over 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Erwin Staller and his family have generously contributed over $16 million to Stony Brook, most notably reflected in the growing prominence of Staller Center and the high quality of its programming; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his support of Staller Center and many other programs across campus, Erwin and his wife Freddie have for decades generously supported scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Music; and

WHEREAS, Stony Brook is proud to have awarded Erwin Staller the Stony Brook Medal for Extraordinary Service in 1989 as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2001, and to have recognized Mr. Staller’s importance as a member of the Stony Brook community by honoring him at the 2006 Stars of Stony Brook Gala; and

WHEREAS, Erwin Staller served on the Stony Brook Foundation Board of Trustees for over 30 years and remains a highly valued emeritus board member; and

WHEREAS, Erwin Staller was the Founding Chair of Stony Brook Foundation Realty, LLC where he recognized early on the importance of a campus hotel to the University and surrounding community, and relentlessly championed this project for over 23 years until it came to fruition in 2013;

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

In recognition of Erwin Staller’s tireless support and exemplary service to Stony Brook University, the Stony Brook Council authorizes the naming of the portion of Circle Drive from the corner of Shirley Kenny Way and Circle Drive to the point where Circle Drive meets the underpass to Stony Brook Medicine, “Erwin Staller Way” and furthermore,

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

May 7, 2018