Q: Why has Stony Brook University decided to name its medical school Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University?
A: The naming acknowledges the mutually beneficial relationship that has developed between Stony Brook University and 111 families at Renaissance Technologies over the past 35 years, and recognizes the incredibly generous philanthropic support that Stony Brook University has received from personal contributions by these families — including gifts made through the $600 million Campaign for Stony Brook.
Q: How did this relationship develop between Stony Brook University and these families at Renaissance Technologies?
A: The firm now known as Renaissance Technologies was founded by Dr. James Simons when he was Professor and Chairman of Stony Brook’s Department of Mathematics in the 1960s. Located just two miles away in nearby East Setauket, Renaissance was incubated at Stony Brook before it realized significant growth and evolved into one of the world’s most successful hedge funds. Within a similar time frame, Stony Brook grew from a small teachers college in the SUNY system into a flagship in the system and one of the foremost international public research universities, fueled by the unparalleled support of Drs. Jim and Marilyn Simons, the Simons Foundation and the generosity of Renaissance employees who followed the Simons’ lead to direct their giving in areas where their goals and philanthropic interests and Stony Brook strategy intersect. This beneficence is reflected in the historic contributions made to Stony Brook and its various schools and programs, which now collectively total more than $500 million.
Q: How has the relationship grown over time?
A: The relationship has resulted in generous personal support from many other Renaissance Technologies families. To date, Stony Brook has received gifts from 111 families who have made personal donations to the University in areas of interest to them that align with the strategic priorities of the University. These gifts reflect a mutual commitment and deep intellectual curiosity among individuals at both institutions who are committed to excellence and to the advancement of science and medicine. They have provided Renaissance employees with an unparalleled opportunity to propel both institutions forward through their giving.
Q: How have these Renaissance employee gifts impacted the University and the world it serves?
A: The generosity of these Renaissance families will ultimately benefit millions of people. The impact goes beyond the abstract; this partnership has changed lives, creating nine innovative academic and research centers and $35 million for student scholarships and fellowships, and recruiting 34 top scholars through endowed chairs and professorships.
Q: Does this change involve renaming a specific building?
A: This a programmatic name change and does not involve naming a building.
Q: When does this new name take effect?
A: The graduating class of 2018 was the final graduating class of Stony Brook University School of Medicine. The graduating class of 2019 will be the first graduating class of the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.
Q: How will the name change impact any/all “official” documents from the School of Medicine (specifically, diplomas and transcripts)?
A: Any diploma or transcript given out after the official name change will have the new name. There will be no retroactive changes to existing diplomas.
Q: Which name should I use on my CV or resume?
A: Though it is a matter of individual preference, we would recommend using the new name on your CV. You may consider parenthetically referencing (formerly Stony Brook University School of Medicine) as desired.
Q: How will the new name apply to grants in process?
A: If the grant is in process, keep the name that existed when the grant was first submitted. Otherwise, use the new name.
Add comment