Stony Brook University Student Life Officially Opens New HSC Space

Stony Brook University has officially opened its newest space dedicated to supporting students on East Campus: the Health Science Center (HSC) Office of Student Life.

For the last few years, Student Life — a department of SBU’s Division of Student Affairs (DoSA) — has housed its office operations primarily in the Stony Brook Union and Student Activities Center, but that all changed on November 17 when a sister location was officially unveiled in the HSC.

Now, the department dedicated to assisting SBU students will be able to extend its reach further into East Campus, providing a variety of programs, involvement opportunities and Seawolf spirit. The new office will also include services offered by Student Health, Wellness and Prevention Services (SHWPS) and the Career Center. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, featuring remarks from President Andrea Goldsmith and university leadership, to welcome all to the new space and what it has to offer.

Raymond J. Webb, director of Student Life for the HSC, kicked off the proceedings alongside applause from those in attendance. “This is such an exciting moment for our students, our staff and the entire HSC community,” he began. Webb will be one of the main DoSA staffers carrying out operations in the new office, joined by Terrell Amparado, HSC student life assistant director. Speaking on what the HSC office has to offer East Campus students, Webb continued, “We support more than 100 student organizations, create meaningful co-curricular programs and collaborate closely with our academic partners to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”

After sharing gratitude for all campus partners that were involved in the planning and development of the new office, Webb introduced Goldsmith to address the community present. “This remarkable new suite is built to help our students thrive in every dimension while they are here at Stony Brook,” said Goldsmith, later sharing her hopes for the students who will now benefit. “We are investing, through this space and through the services we can offer, in the personal and professional growth of our students who are the future healthcare leaders in Long Island, in the great state of New York and around the country.”

Goldsmith also shared her personal appreciation for how the space is set up, noting how she particularly enjoys the “bold red walls” present. The HSC Office of Student Life has an open floor plan that allows for both comfort and productivity. There is a lounge space furnished with cozy chairs and couches, but also the opportunity for roundtable discussions, planning sessions and networking with other HSC students in other parts of the office.

William Wertheim, MD, executive vice president for Stony Brook Medicine, shared his own gratitude for those who made it possible, as well as what the opening of this new office means for HSC students moving forward.

“This is really vital support for the leadership, professional and career development that students in the Health Science schools need,” Wertheim said. “This space is going to ensure that students have the opportunity to foster connections with each other and with people who can serve as mentors and advisors throughout their lives.”

Vice President for Student Affairs Rick Gatteau was the last to deliver remarks before SBU mascot Wolfie joined Goldsmith and other senior leadership staff with a pair of large scissors to cut the ribbon and officially open the space.

“It’s what our students deserve,” Gatteau said, agreeing with earlier statements made by Goldsmith and Wertheim. Addressing all, including those who will be involved with the office’s day-to-day operations, Gatteau continued, “We are so excited to be here to partner with you [and] make this a special place. We hope it will be a home away from home for many of you, and we truly look forward to a continued partnership together over many years to come.”

For more information, visit the HSC Office of Student Life website.