The Fall 2025 semester at Stony Brook University began with New Seawolf Welcome, a week of activities designed to help new students and their families become familiar with campus life. The event started on August 18 with move-in days for first-year students. President Andrea Goldsmith, along with university staff and students, assisted newcomers as they settled into the dorms.
Each move-in day included a Welcome Family BBQ at the Staller Steps and information stations across the Academic Mall. These stations introduced students to various on-campus and off-campus activities, while local businesses also participated in welcoming the new arrivals.
“It’s great being back here,” said Stony Brook alumnus Cory Montijo ’20, who represented Wegman’s supermarket from Lake Grove. “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.”
Students accessed information tables highlighting services from different parts of Stony Brook.
“It’s great to do an event like this,” said Stephanie Van Rossem, nurse practitioner with Student Health Services. “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 introducing them to resources, academic expectations, and university culture. The program aims to reduce anxiety about starting college, build academic foundations, and foster connections among peers.
Events during the week included convocations for new freshmen and transfer students, Community Service Day, workshops about navigating university life, as well as Wolfie’s Welcome Celebration held at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium parking lot. Optional events such as fitness classes or arts-and-crafts sessions gave opportunities for socializing based on shared interests.
“Welcome Week is an important part of successfully transitioning our new Seawolves to Stony Brook,” said Student Affairs Vice President Rick Gatteau. “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.”
