A Tradition Continues: Stony Brook Southampton’s Lighting of the Windmill

Stony Brook Southampton continued a cherished annual tradition on December 5 with the Windmill Lighting and Winter Wonderland Reception, attended by members of the local community as well as faculty, staff and students from Stony Brook University.

The event took place at the Southampton campus library and included music provided by members of the Stony Brook University orchestra, seasonal refreshments, a photo booth sponsored by the Alumni Association, a crafts table for children, face painting, and an appearance by everyone's favorite mascot, Wolfie.

Stony Brook University Interim President Richard McCormick addressed the gathering and noted that the windmill - a vaunted landmark and historical icon that has stood at its current campus site on Shinnecock Hills since 1888 - has seen the evolution of an entire region on the East End, while providing an opportunity to celebrate the Stony Brook Southampton community.

"As Stony Brook is strengthening our community relationships and reinvesting in our Southampton campus infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for even more ambitious contributions to eastern Long Island," McCormick said, referring not only of the opening of the expanded Southampton Hospital, but also the development of workforce housing for its many staff and by the expansion of Southampton's academic, non-credit, and community programs. "We are thrilled to work with you in fostering a vibrant community where education, innovation, and collaboration thrive."

McCormick noted that the event's location is the first LEED Gold Certified library on Long Island and the home to the Pollock-Krasner Study Center. He also pointed to other features of the Southampton campus, including the Food Lab, the School of Health Professions, the Lichtenstein Center, and the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences.

McCormick also expressed his gratitude to Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Director of Stony Brook Southampton Wendy Pearson for leading the "outstanding turnaround of our Stony Brook Southampton campus."

The event was also attended by State Senator Anthony Palumbo, State Assemblyman-Elect Tommy John Schiavonni, Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker, and Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore.

Photos by Michael Wells