On January 15, Stony Brook University celebrated the remarkable early-career accomplishments of an esteemed group of alumni at its fifth 40 Under Forty celebration. This year’s honorees represent the very best of the University’s recent graduates, who have leveraged their talents and education to excel in their professional and personal lives.
“Your accomplishments in your professions and your impact in your communities embody the best of our University,” Interim President Michael A. Bernstein PhD told the honorees. “You have shown us that you are courageous, visionary, principled and unbound by tradition.”
Over 200 alumni, former honorees, and friends joined Interim President Bernstein and Alumni Board President Robert J. deBrauwere, Esq. ’87 at Current at Chelsea Piers in New York City to celebrate this year’s class honorees.
“Since its inception, the 40 Under Forty program has honored the University’s most creative and bold young professionals” deBrauwere addressed the honorees. “Each of you has had your path to success, but what connects us is Stony Brook.”
This year’s alumni honorees include world-class athletes, dedicated humanitarians, artists, and leaders in science, healthcare, engineering, finance, and government.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from my alma mater,” said Kapil Kanugo ’07, head of artificial intelligence for Accenture. “This award underscores my achievements and, at the same time, motivates me to reach further heights and serve society for a positive and inspiring impact.”
In addition to Kanugo, the 40 Under Forty Class of 2019 includes Franck D. Joseph III ’12, deputy commissioner, New York City Commission on Human Rights; Renee DiResta ’04, co-founder of Vaccinate California; Jennifer Eng-Kulawy, MD ’06, Lieutenant Commander – head of pediatrics, U.S. Navy; Lora Webster ’17, Paralympic gold medalist and Christopher am Ende, PhD ’08, ’13, senior principal scientist, Pfizer Inc.
“Stony Brook’s recognition of my Paralympic accomplishments proves how much the university cares about its students, past and present, and their commitment to supporting those students,” said Webster. “I am proud to be a Seawolf and will continue to work to make Stony Brook proud.”
For more information on this year’s honorees, photos and more about Stony Brook’s 40 Under Forty program, please visit: https://www.stonybrook.edu/40underforty/