Fostering Connections: Stony Brook Launches Engagement Center for Alumni and Friends

In November 2025, the State University of New York at Stony Brook celebrated the launch of the Stony Brook Engagement Center, a new initiative designed to deepen the university’s relationship with its alumni and friends. The center is dedicated to providing meaningful interactions and facilitating alumni connections that align with their interests.

The center, located in the Social & Behavioral Sciences Building on campus, is supported by a dedicated team of six full-time staff and about 100 student engagement specialists. These individuals are committed to reaching out to alumni through phone calls, text messaging, videos and emails, inviting them to share their Stony Brook experiences and interests and to continue their connection with their alma mater throughout their lifetimes. 

“Our goal is to build genuine, lasting relationships with our alumni and friends,” said Andres Benavides, director of the center. “This is about creating real connections, understanding what people care about and making sure they feel appreciated and a part of the university’s ongoing success.”

The primary aim of the center is to reconnect with alumni by encouraging their participation in and support of campus life and events, volunteer opportunities and programs that resonate with their personal passions. Center team members will also reach out to Stony Brook supporters to share the impact of their philanthropy and deepen their experience.

“Much of Stony Brook’s strength results from the enduring relationships we build with our alumni and supporters,” said Scott Barrett, interim vice president for Advancement. “Our Engagement Center will position us to strengthen these critical relationships even more by engaging with and learning from our alumni and friends, and also by connecting them with Stony Brook in ways that reflect their passions and are personally meaningful to them.”

Another goal is to provide a place where alumni and supporters can call or email with inquiries. “We hope alumni and supporters see the center as their go-to place for everything Stony Brook,” said Benavides. “That inbound communication ensures we can answer any questions they may have and gives them a space where they’ll always feel welcome and valued.”

Stony Brook students will play a central role in the center’s outreach efforts by connecting directly with alumni and supporters, sharing their own experiences, highlighting university updates and learning the stories that define our community. “At the end of the day, we are all people living in a world of people — the engagement we foster with our friends, alumni and staff remind me of how important it is to slow down and understand people of all backgrounds. Getting to meet new people while supporting current students is always exciting!” said junior Christina Wong, a student ambassador at the center. 

The launch of the Stony Brook Engagement Center marks a significant step in the university’s commitment to fostering strong connections with its alumni and supporters. By providing a platform for meaningful and personalized engagement, Stony Brook continues to value and celebrate the contributions of its extended community, reinforcing the importance of involvement and connection in its ongoing mission. 

Students can apply to be an engagement specialist at ionphilanthropy.com/SBUStudent. 

-Christine McGrath