Stony Brook University faculty, staff, students and leadership filled the Charles B. Wang Center lobby for a special celebratory gathering in appreciation of Interim President Richard L. McCormick.
The common theme at the May 8 breakfast event was McCormick’s inspiration, his dedication, and how much he cares for Stony Brook, and how that has influenced and energized everyone around him.
Braden Hosch, interim chief deputy to the president and vice president for educational and institutional effectiveness, served as the emcee and noted that the celebration — put together by Associate Vice President for Presidential Initiatives Tasheka Sutton-Young, the Executive Office team and Conference and Event Services — was held the day before the last day of spring semester classes to include as many people in the Stony Brook community as possible.
Undergraduate Student Government President Nistha Boghra spoke of how McCormick inspired students to become genuine leaders through his passion, dedication and attentiveness. “I’ve never met any administrator at his level be so kind and genuine to every single person that he interacts with.”
Brenda Anderson, president of the University Senate, said McCormick has left an indelible mark on Stony Brook, with a deep respect for everyone in the Stony Brook community. “In every interaction, he has remained resolutely positive, enthusiastic and optimistic,” Anderson said, praising his respect for shared governance and transparent communication with the faculty. “Interim President McCormick will be remembered for his inherent kindness and his keen intellectual curiosity, and the wisdom he has brought to the complex issues of our times.”
David Wrobel, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, noted that he had over the years assigned McCormick’s books in his graduate and undergraduate classes. He praised McCormick’s ability to bring people together and strengthen the SBU community. “We’re not very good at using the word love in academia — I suppose it might not be considered very cool to do so,” he said. “But thank you for loving our university and reminding us to do the same, every day; to celebrate its successes and to work together to make it stronger.”
Wendy Pearson, vice president for strategic initiatives and executive director of Stony Brook Southampton, spoke of how supportive McCormick has been, not only to her personally, but to the Southampton campus. “Dick included us in the small things — like the selection of student art for our spaces and ensuring sufficient food options for our community — to the big things, like piloting the Future Scholars program in Southampton, where underserved communities are too often forgotten,” she said. “He saw the value in our work, believed, and strongly supported what we’re building.”
Executive Vice President of Stony Brook Medicine William Wertheim, MD, described McCormick as a model for an empowering leader — collaborative, willing to roll up his sleeves and generous with his praise. “And, unsurprisingly for someone who wrote a book on New York political history, he quickly learned the ins and outs of New York State, Albany, and SUNY,” he said. “Most importantly, he has always placed the needs and interests of our students at the forefront of his actions.”
Executive Vice President and Provost Carl Lejuez emphasized the crucial role McCormick played in not only continuing Stony Brook’s forward momentum, but adding to it. “When we look back to tell the story of Stony Brook’s continued success, an important part will be the throughline of President McCormick’s year here,” he said. “He has truly embraced what it means to be part of the community, and made each and every one of us feel seen, heard and appreciated. He comes to every conversation and every question with a genuine interest in other people’s perspectives and an appreciation for their ideas that is utterly sincere.”
Governor Kathy Hochul sent a representative, Thalia Olaya, and a letter thanking McCormick for his outstanding work, which said, “Whether through building partnerships with community leaders and businesses or enhancing learning and interdisciplinary research opportunities, you have always maintained a steady focus on doing what is necessary to help strengthen our state’s education system.”
McCormick was presented with a photo album commemorating his time at Stony Brook and a proclamation that praised his distinguished leadership and dedicated service to the university. “Dr. McCormick instilled a culture of unity, gratitude and Seawolf pride at Stony Brook, and he embraced it,” the proclamation read.
In his remarks, McCormick — with Wolfie at his side — described how grateful he is to the Stony Brook community, and how this has been the most satisfying and enjoyable year of his professional life.
“It was such a gift to have one last opportunity to lead an outstanding public research university,” he said. “I have spent my whole professional life at such institutions — in whose missions of teaching, research, and service I deeply believe. Your generous affirmation that I was the right guy to take on this role means everything to me.”
McCormick, who will continue to serve until Andrea Goldsmith becomes Stony Brook’s seventh president on August 1, went on to praise Stony Brook’s culture of collaboration, sharing and excellence, from its administration, to its faculty and researchers, to the students and the athletic teams. “That is the Stony Brook way. I cherish it, and you should too.”
Noting that higher education is “under assault in ways we could not have imagined,” McCormick said Stony Brook must summon all of its strengths to respond wisely and effectively. “We will prevail because history, human needs and core values are all on our side.”
McCormick concluded by reminding everyone to remember what a special place this is. “I will never forget my time at Stony Brook,” he said. “I’ll be watching you closely from afar, and I will miss you forever. Thank you for all you do for Stony Brook.”
— Michael Gasparino
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