The Fall 2025 semester at Stony Brook University began with the New Seawolf Welcome, a weeklong series of activities designed to introduce incoming students and their families to campus life. The event, which started on August 18, included move-in days for first-year students and featured participation from university leadership, staff, and current students.
University President Andrea Goldsmith was present during the move-in process, joining staff and students in helping newcomers settle into their dormitories. Each move-in day also included a Welcome Family BBQ on the Staller Steps and information stations across the Academic Mall that highlighted various on-campus and off-campus opportunities. Local businesses took part in welcoming new students as well.
“It’s great being back here,” said Stony Brook alumnus Cory Montijo ’20, who represented Wegman’s supermarket during the welcome events. “Just being on campus again and being here on the academic mall reminds me of so many times I spent out here on campus. It’s surreal coming back representing Wegman’s and seeing the other side of it and reaching out to all the bright-eyed students coming in.”
Information tables provided resources from across Stony Brook, allowing students to learn about services available to them. Stephanie Van Rossem, nurse practitioner with Student Health Services, commented: “It’s great to do an event like this. It provides outreach for the students so that they know the services that are available to them here. It’s so important. A lot of the times students come here and aren’t aware of all the amazing things that we have for them to offer. These tabling events are a perfect opportunity to show them.”
Isobel Breheny-Schafer, assistant director for Student Media and general manager of WUSB radio station, noted: “Welcoming students back this week has been fun, exciting and informative. My student staff and I met so many students and their families from all walks of life. Sharing what our department of student community development does along with the student media office and WUSB radio station and having discussions about becoming a part of the Seawolves community through ‘Belonging at the Brook’ sessions helped create a sense of connection with our new and our returning students.”
New Seawolf Welcome is intended to help incoming students adjust by familiarizing them with campus resources, academic expectations, and university culture. Events throughout the week included convocations for new and transfer students, Community Service Day, workshops about campus life, fitness classes, arts activities, and Wolfie’s Welcome Celebration at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium parking lot.
Student Affairs Vice President Rick Gatteau emphasized: “Welcome Week is an important part of successfully transitioning our new Seawolves to Stony Brook. This year’s welcome was filled with learning, community building, service, fun, spirit, and pride. We look forward to an exciting and memorable year ahead and encourage our Class of 2029 and new transfers to get involved in campus life and take advantage of all that Stony Brook offers.”