Community and Connection: Stony Brook University CommUniversity Day

CommUniversity Day brought families, students, faculty and staff together for a day of activity and community on September 28. Photos by John Griffin.

The Stony Brook University community came together for a day of fun, learning, and connection at CommUniversity Day on Saturday, September 28. Despite overcast skies and light showers, the weather didn't dampen the spirits of nearly 2,500 friends, employees, families, students, and others who explored the many facets of the campus through a variety of interactive activities, entertainment, and educational exhibits.

CommUniversity Day welcomed attendees to experience what Stony Brook has to offer through 90 tables and demonstrations. The event featured themed "neighborhoods," where visitors immersed themselves in different aspects of the university and surrounding community. From the 'Tech and Discovery' to the 'Arts' and to the 'Community Partners,' there was something for everyone.

"The deep synergy between Stony Brook University and our community is strong, and we're always exploring more ways to serve and engage the people of Long Island and beyond," said Interim President Richard McCormick, who welcomed the crowd. "We're so proud to be a part of this community. We want you to be proud of us, too."

"To have such a wonderful turn-out in spite of the less than perfect weather, is a testament to how CommUniversity Day has become a beloved tradition for our community," said Heather Banoub, assistant vice president for Community Relations.

In the 'Health' neighborhood, attendees tested their balance and fall risk with students from the Physical Therapyprogram, played 'toss the toilet paper' with the Department of Urology, and learned about heart health from staff of the Heart Institute, among many health screenings and information tables.

"This event is a great opportunity for us to reach out to the community and to build awareness of the unrecognized signs for heart attacks," said Daphne Caceres-Paladino, administrative assistant for the Heart Institute. "We are highlighting the free heart health risk assessmentthat tells users about the risk factors that you can then discuss with your doctor."

In the 'Safety' neighborhood, attendees metthe Stony Brook Fire Marshal, explored emergency response equipment and trucks and learned about safety techniques.

Guests also enjoyed learning through the "Find Out in 15" sessions, in which students showcased their research projects, offering insights into topics ranging from the arts to healthcare and medicine.

In the 'Tech and Discovery' neighborhood, guests stood on a wooden board atop dozens of plastic cups, as the Department of Physics and Astronomydemonstrated the physics behind weight distribution, among many other demonstrations and displays.

"I bring my kids each year, to show them how lucky we are to have all of this going on, so close to home," said Lisa Hernandez of Bayport. "I hope that when they are college age, they will look to Stony Brook as an option since they have grown up with it and are familiar with the campus and all they have to offer."

"My favorite was the free candy," added Joey Hernandez, 6, of Bayport.

This year also marked the inaugural LEGO® competition, in which building enthusiasts of all ages showcased their own unique creations that embodied their vision of community.

In addition to the fun, the event supported a good cause. The Island Harvest Food Drive encouraged attendees to bring nonperishable food items. Those who contributed to the drive received a free cooler bag as a thank you gift.

"It was wonderful to see so many families creating at the LEGO® Discovery Tent, engaging with the Teddy Bear clinic and playing a variety of musical instruments on the Staller Steps. From performances by the cheerleading team, marching band, Music in Medicine and the High Cs, to the vast number of participants in the Health Neighborhood, the event truly is a wide-angle snapshot of all Stony Brook University and Medicine are and do," said Banoub.

CommUniversity Day was also a part of Stony Brook Family Weekend, and was followed by a Stony Brook football game against the Morgan State Bears, which the Seawolves won, 22-3.

- Beth Squire

View a photo gallery of the event from John Griffin:

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