Tyler’s Top Pics: 2025 Edition

Hello, hello!

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Tyler, a proud Stony Brook University alumnus and current grad student, now working as Advancement’s digital strategist (and still sometimes a photographer because I love it too much). Can you believe how fast 2025 flew by? It feels like just yesterday I shared my Top Pics for 2024. In 2025, we welcomed President Andrea Goldsmith, saw the largest incoming class and were named the No. 1 public university in New York for the fourth year in a row! This year was a busy one, and I’ve had a front-row seat to these truly remarkable moments that showcase just how unstoppable our community can be.

There have been so many wonderful events and moments on campus that I truly couldn’t decide — once again — on which photos were my favorite of the year! So, I recruited our Seawolves community to decide. Throughout December, I posted some of our top photos from the year on our @stonybrookalum Instagram account, inviting you — our amazing alumni, friends and Stony Brook family — to be part of the selection process.

And wow, did you show up! Your engagement, votes and enthusiasm made this year’s photo recap something truly special. These aren’t just photos — they’re OUR moments, OUR memories, OUR Stony Brook story.

So, grab a cup of cocoa (or my favorite: green tea with honey), get comfy and let’s dive into the visual journey that made 2025 unforgettable. Buckle up, Seawolves!

Day 1
2025 Discovery Prize

The Discovery Prize celebrates bold, pioneering research with the potential to reshape scientific fields and tackle complex global challenges. This photo captures winner Jennifer Cano, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Physics and Astronomy, as she presented her research in the development of energy-efficient materials to power electronic devices.

Photo credit: John Griffin

Day 2
Dr. Ellinor I. Peerschke Hematology Lab Unveiling

Ellinor Peerschke, MD, was recruited to the pathology department to run the hematology lab in 1980. Peerschke was a lifelong scientist and educator who served as the division head of the clinical hematology laboratories at Stony Brook for 16 years and later held leadership roles at several other medical institutions. I captured this photo of her husband, Berhane Ghebrehiwet, DVM, DSc, who established a fund for the Renaissance School of Medicine, as he celebrated the unveiling of the lab honoring his late wife.

Photo credit: Tyler Mooney

Day 3
Giving Day

Giving Day is always fun, and this year was another record-breaking one with the most supporters ever in 24 hours. More than $1 million was raised for 150 programs and funds, ensuring that our students get the critical resources they need. I love capturing the energy at the event — and this photo of Wolfie and a student certainly says it all.

Photo credit: Tyler Mooney

Day 4
Student and Alumni Networking Mixer

This event is a highlight of the Career Center. In its 13th year, students have a chance to network with alumni to discuss their career paths and seek advice on the careers they are considering. Here, alumna Christina Geraci ’04 takes a selfie before sitting down with students to talk about her career as an attorney.

Photo credit: Kristy Leibowitz

Day 5
Scholarship Celebration 2025

Getting to see our student scholarship recipients — both graduate and undergraduate — get to meet and speak with their donors is such a heartwarming experience. The room is always filled with gratitude from our students and support from our friends. These students were all smiles during this celebration that allowed them to meet those who support their academic journeys.

Photo credit: Vanessa Yen

Day 6
Commencement Day 1

The Class of 2025 has joined the ranks of more than 225,000 Stony Brook alumni. The day is always filled with celebration and anticipation as the graduates embark on the next chapter of their lives. The commencement ceremony wouldn’t be complete without Wolfie surrounded by tons of red and white confetti!

Photo credit: John Griffin

Day 7
Commencement Day 2

With so many great photos on such an important day, we let you choose another photo from the commencement ceremony that truly captured the energy of the occasion. Those who represent Wolfie are often kept top secret — and it was no different as our mascot crossed the stage to earn his diploma!

Photo credit: John Griffin

Day 8
Alumni Scholarship Golf Classic

It was a beautiful sunny day at the end of June when our alumni teed up to support students at this annual scholarship golf classic. The alumni gathered on the course to network and reminisce about their time at Stony Brook for a good cause. Of course, Wolfie had to join in on the tee time fun.

Photo credit: Chad Carney

Day 9
GOLDen Hour Cruise

Members of GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) hopped aboard the “Running Wild” for a sold-out GOLDen Hour cruise. Our Seawolves mingled on the water while enjoying beautiful views of Long Island’s South Shore against a stunning sunset. This photo truly captures the energy of the cruise. From the sunset to the smiling faces, this event is something our GOLD members will truly remember.

Photo credit: Chad Carney

Day 10
Investiture Ceremony

The Investiture Ceremony is one of my favorite annual events to attend. During the event, distinguished faculty members are formally installed into their endowed positions — one of the highest academic honors a university can bestow. From medicine to artificial intelligence to economics, these 10 faculty members represent just a microcosm of the work being done at Stony Brook. Watching them beam with pride as their work is celebrated on stage is a moving reminder of the transformative power of philanthropy. 

Photo credit: John Griffin

Day 11
Wolfstock Day 1

Our Wolfstock Homecoming festival continues to grow in size and spirit, offering more each year and bringing together an even wider community! I love seeing everyone during a day filled with fun, nostalgia and connection. This photo captures the spirit of the day as one of our alumnae joins in the fun with her future Seawolves!

Photo credit: Kristy Leibowitz

Day 12
Wolfstock Day 2

Once again, it’s so hard to fit an entire weekend’s worth of events into just one photo! The 44th annual Homecoming festival saw alumni, students, faculty and staff celebrating during a beautiful sunny weekend. And Wolfstock wouldn’t be complete without our beloved Wolfie joining in the day’s festivities!

Photo credit: Kristy Leibowitz

Thank you to everyone who followed along and voted for your favorite photos! Sharing my top pics with you has been such a joy, and I’m grateful for the support and enthusiasm of this amazing community.

Before we wrap up, here are the honorable mentions — photos that didn’t make the final cut but still helped make this year unforgettable.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

– Tyler