President McCormick Advocates for University and Medicine Priorities in Washington, D.C.
Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick traveled to Washington, D.C., on April 2 to engage directly with New York congressional delegation members and their senior staff, advocating for key federal priorities that support both Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine.
During his visit to the nation’s capital, McCormick highlighted the critical importance of funding for science research, higher education programs, student financial aid and support for public-safety net hospitals — issues that are vital not only for Stony Brook but for the broader academic and healthcare communities.
At the heart of McCormick’s advocacy was the need to provide robust federal investment in scientific research and prevent any proposed research cuts. Stony Brook, a leading institution in both academic and clinical research, has long relied on federal funding to support groundbreaking studies that drive American innovation.
“Cuts to federal research funding send a dangerous signal that our nation could walk away from the very advancements that have propelled America as a global leader in science and technology. The 80-year-old compact between the federal government and U.S. research institutions has made America the leader in scientific innovation,” said McCormick. “Cuts to federally funded research challenge the vital role that our universities play in driving innovation and progress. Now more than ever it is critical to invest in American research institutions to safeguard our continued leadership in science and to secure a prosperous future for our great nation.”
In addition, McCormick stressed the importance of robust funding for higher education programs and federal student financial aid. He spoke to policymakers about the necessity of maintaining federal investments that ensure the affordability and accessibility of higher education, allowing students to pursue their academic and professional goals without undue financial burden. He underscored how federal student aid programs, including Pell Grants and student loans, help level the playing field for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Stony Brook serves a broad range of students, with more than one-third of students receiving Pell Grants. McCormick’s message was clear: continued support for these programs is crucial in helping students achieve their potential and contribute to the American workforce.
In the healthcare arena, McCormick called for continued federal support for public-safety net hospitals like Stony Brook University Hospital, which plays an essential role in providing high-quality care to underserved populations. These hospitals face unique challenges, and McCormick made the case for why their operations and services must be supported through federal funding to ensure that no community is left behind when it comes to access to quality healthcare.
Additionally, McCormick had the opportunity to connect with Stony Brook alumni working on Capitol Hill. These interactions not only allowed the president to update alumni on the university’s priorities and progress but also to strengthen the Stony Brook network in Washington, D.C.
The President’s Washington, D.C., visit is part of a comprehensive federal advocacy effort led by Stony Brook University’s Office of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C., in close coordination with SUNY’s D.C. Office to advance Stony Brook’s federal priorities. The Office of Federal Relations will continue to work daily with the New York congressional delegation, federal agencies, the Administration, and the institution’s national higher education and research association partners to advocate for federal support for higher education programs, student financial aid, science research, and public hospitals.