First-Ever Back the Brook Event to Support Student Experiences — Over Just 24 Hours

On Wednesday, November 19, the State University of New York at Stony Brook community will come together to support its student clubs, organizations and athletic programs during the university’s inaugural Back the Brook event. This 24-hour crowdfunding initiative will bring focus to the student experiences that enhance campus life each year by providing them with resources to grow and excel.

Back the Brook Supports Seawolves

While many of Stony Brook’s clubs and organizations are allocated funds from the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), their budgets often don’t fully cover the cost of hosting events and competitions on campus, equipment or travel for off-campus activities. To give these student groups and teams their best chance to succeed, Back the Brook has been established — providing alumni, students, faculty, staff, family and friends with the opportunity to directly impact these Seawolves and their goals.

“Back the Brook reflects the very essence of Stony Brook, a community that leads with generosity and heart,” said USG President Sarah Elbaroudy. “Every gift strengthens the foundation of student life, empowering Seawolves to lead, create and inspire change. Through giving, we affirm our shared belief that Stony Brook’s greatest legacy is its people — a community united by purpose, pride and possibility.”

In its first year, 22 student clubs and organizations, along with SBU’s 18 NCAA Division I athletic programs, have chosen to participate in Back the Brook with each group creating meaningful goals to add value to their programs and strengthen student life.

How to Make an Impact

Back the Brook’s early giving period is now open online for those who want to show their support before November 19. An anonymous supporter has issued a challenge to kick-start these initiatives in the weeks leading up the Back the Brook: The top three participating groups or teams with the most unique supporters between now and 11:59 pm on November 18 will split $1,500 in bonus funds. 

Throughout the day on November 19, gifts can be made to one or more of the participating groups through sbugiving.com/backthebrook, with matches and challenges that will be announced soon, providing additional funding during this 24-hour period. Seawolves and friends can also make a gift on campus at both the Student Activities Center (SAC) Shore Club and Union Lobby from 12 pm to 2 pm, where they can meet students and learn more about their aspirations. Seniors will have the opportunity to receive their generosity cords with a donation, and Back the Brook shirts will also be available with a donation while supplies last.

Empowering Goals, Enriching Experiences

Every gift made to Back the Brook has the power to elevate student experiences and enhance the impact they make on their community. Each participating group has created its own vision for how support will amplify its activities. For example:

For the Philippine United Student Organization (PUSO), Back the Brook is an opportunity to share and celebrate Filipino culture on campus. Their goal is to raise $2,000 to support the three dance teams — PUSO Cultural, PUSO Ballroom and PUSO Modern — providing new costumes, props and equipment for performances that showcase their culture and tradition, along with travel expenses to bring these events off campus.

For Alternative Spring Break Outreach (ASBO), their goal is to raise $500 to expand participation and lower travel costs, allowing more students to travel to Tennessee for this year’s Spring Break outreach trip. After a successful trip working with Habitat for Humanity last year, they’re looking to keep the momentum going with even more student participation.

On the field, Men’s Lacrosse is rallying support to enhance the student-athlete experience on their path to victory. Their goal is to raise $5,000 to invest in the team’s state-of-the-art locker room, which will feature enhanced resources to support students, including new lockers, a player nutrition area and a study center. 

“Back the Brook is a chance for our community to rally behind student-athletes who give their all every day,” said Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Madison Cigna. “Your support helps us compete at the highest level and creates opportunities — whether it’s better resources, travel expenses or team development — it makes a real difference in our growth and success.”

To see more of the inspiring goals set by Stony Brook’s participating clubs, organizations and athletic programs, visit sbugiving.com/backthebrook.

Join the Movement to Back the Brook

As the Stony Brook community unites for this first-ever Back the Brook, every gift and every show of support will fuel innovation, celebrate culture and drive excellence across campus and beyond. Together, we’re showing what it truly means to Back the Brook — and back each other.

-Kristina Brandt