Stony Brook University held its eighth annual Light the Brook celebration on November 3, drawing a record crowd to the campus. The event, which began as a small gathering where students placed string lights on a tree near the psychology building, has grown significantly since its inception.
Rick Gatteau, vice president for Student Affairs at Stony Brook, recounted the origins of Light the Brook during his address at the administration fountain. “They came to me and said, ‘we really want to do something to brighten the campus during these months when it’s cold, dark, and depressing,’” Gatteau said. “It started in a very small way and we lit up the tree and had an a capella group perform. Since then it’s gotten bigger and better every year.”
This year’s program included activities such as making s’mores over grills, club tabling, crafts focused on light themes, hot chocolate distribution, and student performances from several groups: the Pipettes and High C’s (a cappella), The Vocalists (all-gender vocal group), and Music & Medicine (a student organization that performs at healthcare facilities).
Gatteau highlighted this year’s turnout by saying: “This crowd is the largest group I’ve ever seen for Light the Brook. Our strength at Stony Brook is the community that we build together, and there’s no better way to celebrate community than at events like this.”
The event was co-sponsored by Stony Brook Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and the Division of Student Affairs. USG President Sarah Elbaroudy addressed attendees: “This event is one of my favorite traditions at Stony Brook, because it captures everything that makes this university so special — the energy, the unity and the sense of belonging that we create together,” she said. “When you look around tonight, you’ll see hundreds of lights and faces from every corner of campus, each representing the power of our community. What makes Stony Brook shine isn’t just what we’re about to light, but the people who make this campus feel like home through our differences and our shared purpose. We’ve built a campus defined by resilience, compassion and pride. Whether you’re a first-year student or senior getting ready to graduate, a faculty member, a staff member or a member of the community, you’re part of a story that’s much bigger than yourself, and one that continues to grow brighter every year.”
Stony Brook President Andrea Goldsmith also spoke about how Light the Brook reflects university values: “Light the Brook is an example of what a special university this is,” Goldsmith said. “No matter what happens, we bond together and we celebrate the amazing light of Stony Brook University. No matter what’s happening, how hard your finals are, or what’s going on in your work or families, we can come together and make light happen here at this university.” She described her first day arriving at Stony Brook in January: “It was a very cold day but everyone I met was so warm and so welcoming. Tonight… these lights remind us that we are a community that exudes warmth to everyone around us… And that’s really what these lights represent; warmth, togetherness and the power of this community.”
Aneil Persaud from Student Affairs Events noted changes over time: “Light the Brook gives us a community of warmth, light and connectedness as we enter the colder months of the year,” he said. “It has been really exciting seeing growth of this program now showcasing more student performances… lighting… hot chocolate than ever.”
Elbaroudy concluded by emphasizing inclusivity: “Every light that’s about to turn on represents people who make this university come alive,” she said. “Light the Brook is a symbol of community… celebrating one another… remembering that heart of Stony Brook is in its people… May this light carry us through finals… winter… right into new year… reminder no matter what we’re facing we’re never alone.”
