Stony Brook, Ny Apr 20: After a weeklong series of events highlighting her vision and aspirations for the university community, Andrea Goldsmith was officially installed as the seventh president of The State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook (Stony Brook University) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Stony Brook Arena. She was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of faculty, staff, students, alumni, family and friends, along with local officials, former university presidents and representatives from colleges and universities from across the country.
In her inaugural address, President Goldsmith reflected on the transformative power of saying “yes” to new opportunities. “Transformation begins with yes,” she said. “Saying yes opened the door to Stony Brook’s infinite possibilities and ultimately led me to this extraordinary role as its seventh president. That simple act of embracing risk with the potential for great reward is where my professional story and Stony Brook’s story intersect. The collective courage to pursue a bold vision—despite uncertainty—is the engine of upward mobility at a great university like ours. I believe wholeheartedly that there is truly no limit to what we can achieve together.”
She went on to say, “This inauguration week from Manhattan to Montauk has truly exceeded my highest expectations as we have showcased our tremendous university. And since I accepted this role just over a year ago, every joyful day as president at this extraordinary university has surpassed my greatest hopes. To every one of you who has shaped this memorable first year of my presidency and who strengthened our special university, [by] inspiring students, our passionate brilliant faculty and dedicated staff, our compassionate healthcare teams, our visionary academic leaders and our steadfast supporters and friends, you all have my lasting gratitude for your partnership your support and your warm welcome.”
Stony Brook distinguished alumnus and former president of Stanford University John L. Hennessy delivered remarks as a special guest speaker. A long-time mentor to President Goldsmith during her tenure on the Stanford faculty, Hennesy also worked closely with President Goldsmith as she launched two Silicon-based wireless technology start-ups.
“As a proud alumnus of Stony Brook University—having earned my master’s and PhD here—it is a personal pleasure to be back at an institution for which I hold such deep gratitude,” said Dr. Hennessy. “My appreciation for Stony Brook is profound, and I have long supported its mission. But this day is made even more significant because the person taking the helm is a long-time, distinguished colleague, Dr. Andrea Goldsmith. Having worked alongside her at Stanford for over 20 years, I have admired her groundbreaking scholarship and transformative leadership. It is a great joy to see her bring her visionary spirit to my alma mater.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. also addressed the audience, speaking to President Goldsmith’s leadership and impact since she joined the university last August. “When President Goldsmith builds and accelerates…she does it to make things happen— innovation, and economic growth—she does it also for the people coming up behind her,” said the Chancellor. “I would argue that President Goldsmith is ready to make Stony Brook the vanguard in those areas already…I cannot think of a better leader at this moment at Stony Brook. I can’t imagine a person better to encapsulate the values of Stony Brook and ultimately the State University of New York.”
Following the remarks, Chancellor King formally installed Andrea Goldsmith as President of Stony Brook University. SUNY Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Merryl H. Tisch joined him in placing the ceremonial medallion around President Goldsmith’s neck, formally signifying her role as the university’s seventh president. The announcement was met with a standing ovation from the audience.
President Goldsmith concluded her address by outlining a new long-term vision for the university: the ASPIRE 2035 initiative. Each letter represents a guiding principle for Stony Brook’s future:
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Accelerating discovery to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.
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Setting a new standard for educational excellence, access, and student success.
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Propelling Stony Brook to a position of visionary global leadership.
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Igniting regional prosperity.
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Reimagining medicine, health, and wellness for all.
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Enabling the foundations of our success.
“Because if we say yes boldly enough,” she said in closing, “the nation … and the world … will look to Stony Brook University, the leading public university in New York State, as a model for the future of American possibility and progress.”
