Stony Brook University Featured at SUNY State of the University Address

Stony Brook University was well represented at the 2025 SUNY State of the University Address and Campus Showcase.

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. delivered the address May 21 at the Lewis A. Swyer Theatre at The Egg in Albany. 

King and the SUNY Board of Trustees announced further investments in SUNY students, faculty, staff and research at a time of higher education cuts across the nation. King announced new initiatives to expand programs to help students succeed, while creating new paths forward to bolster research; attract and retain diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels; and grow SUNY’s role as an economic driver for the state and its students.

“At SUNY, we are pressing forward, guided by our values, delivering for our students, our communities, and our state,” King said. “I am filled with optimism that’s grounded in our progress, our results, and our strength — that not only can we meet this moment — we already are.”

“New York is leading the nation in providing our students with access to quality, affordable higher education through our world-class SUNY system,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “My administration has provided historic funding for our public universities because we understand that an investment in SUNY is an investment in the New York workforce.”

During the address, King acknowledged how Stony Brook is helping SUNY meet the challenges faced by New York State, the nation and the world.

He noted that Eden Figueroa, associate professor in Stony Brook’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and national expert on quantum physics who is at the forefront of quantum internet research, is co-chairing the Quantum Task Force, which is developing a 5-10 year strategy for positioning SUNY and New York State on the leading edge of quantum information science and technology (QIST).

King also recognized Stony Brook, which is the anchor institution for The New York Climate Exchange, as co-chair of the Climate and Sustainability Research Task Force, developing SUNY’s blueprint for energized and scaled research and innovation.

The chancellor touted the SUNY Brain Institute, adding that researchers at Stony Brook University are developing strategies to halt and potentially reverse memory loss related to Alzheimer’s Disease. He also promoted the Empire AI Consortium, noting that Stony Brook University researchers are developing an AI platform for antigen design that will improve vaccine development.

King’s address was preceded by a performance by Stony Brook Endowed Artist in Residence Fellow and founder of The Jazz Loft, Tom Manuel, and his quartet featuring SBU Jazz alumni Martin Isenberg on bass, with current DMA jazz students Dario Chiazzolino on guitar and Dennis Bulhoes on drums.

Wolfie was also on hand at the Campus Showcase, alongside other SUNY mascots, promoting Stony Brook.