Student Brings Vibrant Colors to Campus with New SoCJ Mural

Catch a vibrant splash of color when you enter the Educational Communications Center (ECC) building, representing the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ). Stony Brook senior Emma Erhard happily brought her vision to life on September 20, when dozens of students, faculty and staff came out to paint the sketch she had created. 

Many students walk past the ECC building, unaware that this is the home for journalism students. This mural will help fix that, said Lori Kie, communications director for SoCJ. “Everything we do here is about supporting our students and helping them find their place on campus. It’s an invitation.”

Erhard is studying mass communications. Taking any opportunity she could get, she submitted a design to the school, taking a chance on herself. 

Erhard said she has always enjoyed art, adding, “I’m happy that I get to give something back to a place that keeps giving me so much to me.”

SoCJ Dean Laura Lindenfeld said, “Bringing together art and ideas, I am just so proud of Emma, staff, faculty and students who are bringing beauty and excitement to this campus.” 

Isha Shaah, a third-year political science student, was among the students putting their paintbrushes to good use on that sunny September day. 

“I wanted to support all of the great work Emma is doing,” Shaah said. “She is so incredibly talented and I love her so much. I am really happy that she gets to do this as part of an effort to make the campus unique.” 

The CBC aims to incorporate student art across campus, building community and allowing students to make their mark — literally and for years to come, even after they graduate. If you’d like to get involved — recommending a project, proposing your own art (or someone else’s), mentoring a student, or volunteering your time and expertise as a member of the planning committee — please fill out this form.  

— Neena Mir