Red-Letter Days

Asian Heritage Month
Asian Heritage Month is celebrated during  April to honor the culture and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans. The rich traditions and history of people of Asian descent are reflected in our Stony Brook campus community. Throughout the month, student groups and campus departments celebrate through programs, performances, and discussions. 

Black History Month
Throughout February, Stony Brook University hosts Black History Month, an annual tradition that celebrates the African American experience. There are educational, social, and cultural programs reflecting the theme,  Sankofa! held on the Stony Brook campus. The concept of Sankofa has its origin in Ghana, West Africa. When translated, it means that "it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot." Sankofa is used throughout the pan-African world to promote the idea that African people must go back to their roots in order to move forward. The theme  was created to re-ignite awareness, appreciation, passion, and commitment to Black History Month for all people, but especially those whose ancestors are from the African Diaspora.

Campus Life Time
Between 1:00 and 2:30 pm every Wednesday during the academic year, no classes are scheduled, giving students a chance to come together for some of Stony Brook's most exciting events. We call it Campus Life Time, a weekly tradition dating back to 1991. A great time for residents and commuters alike to get involved with student life, Campus Life Time features carnivals, concerts, student expo fairs, live entertainment, celebrity speakers, free food, and giveaways–plus a chance for informal face-to-face encounters in the midst of hectic academic schedules.

Career & Internship Week
You have to try hard not to get hired during this annual week-long program for student job-seekers, sponsored by the Career Center. In a series of varied and informative programs, SB alums talk to students about their work and offer advice for students who wish to follow in their footsteps. Opportunities are available in Business, IT/Engineering, Healthcare, Communications, Counseling, and Science fields. Meet us at the foot of the Zebra Path to begin your career path to success.

Diversity Day
Diversity Day brings individuals of different backgrounds together for an annual day of celebration and togetherness. Every spring semester during Strawberry Fest, we share the many dimensions of our different heritages and lifestyles through music and dance performances, creative arts, lectures, and cultural offerings. The event is planned and organized by the President's Committee on Diversity, which includes student representatives from campus clubs and organizations.

Earthstock
In mid April on Earth Day, Stony Brook’s Earthstock celebration features exhibits, displays, lectures, and concerts to promote and support environment-friendly living. Events include dance and drumming performances; the Ashley Schiff Preserve Guided Walk; live musical performances; an ice cream social; lectures on conservation; rubber duck races; the URECA Environmental Exhibition of Student Research; local farmers market on the Academic Mall; and Pride Patrol campus beautification projects.

Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights is a Stony Brook tradition that celebrates the rich traditions of people of different cultural backgrounds, faiths, and religious beliefs during the holiday season. This intercultural program reflects our diverse campus community and highlights the most widely observed holidays through performances in song, dance, music and video presentations; displays; holiday crafts-making, and traditional holiday foods. The program is coordinated by University departments, including the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Interfaith Center, and several student organizations. 

Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the distinguished contributions Hispanic and Latino Americans have made to the United States in all major fields, such as the military, music, literature, philosophy, sports, business and economy, science and politics.

Native American Heritage Awareness
From the pre-contact times to today, Native America has had a profound and everlasting effect on the Americas and Canada. The Native American Heritage Awareness Program is a unique series that features a wide range of Native American cultural, educational and social demonstrations, including performing artists, an exhibit, historians, community activists, governmental officials, and graduate student researchers–all highlighting the diverse and rich history and culture of Native America while also educating about current contemporary issues facing Native people today. Participants highlight the need for research, preservation, and the advancement of Native peoples.

Opening Activities/Chillfest
At the opening of fall and spring semesters, students are welcomed back to campus with a month-long festival of social, athletic, and academic events. The winter edition is known as "Chillfest." September's opening activities are collectively branded "Opening Activities." Events include new student orientation, barbeques, comedy shows, shopping excursions, performances, films, student basketball tournaments, and a craft fair, as well as seasonal activities like ice skating and ski trips.

Ring of Fellowship
One of Stony Brook University’s most prestigious traditions is the official class ring. This symbol of eternal affiliation with the University is recognized by Stony Brook alumni worldwide and is a precious keepsake representing your commitment to Stony Brook. The class ring is available in multiple styles and finishes and can include custom engraving. Wear yours with Seawolf pride.

Roth Pond Regatta
Here's a genuinely unique Stony Brook tradition dating from 1989: On the last Friday of April, teams representing clubs, organizations, and adminstrative offices race across bucolic Roth Pond in makeshift craft constructed only of cardboard, duct tape, and paint. The Roth Yachting Club names an admiral, a vice-admiral, and an honorary commodore to preside over the event. Students, faculty, and staff are all invited to compete and trophies are awarded to the winners. Nobody stays dry.

Shirley Strum Kenny Student Arts Festival 
Each April, this annual arts fest showcases the diversity of our students through their creative endeavors. Experience the many talents of Stony Brook students in an entertaining week of artistic exposition. Events include theater performances, street fair, exhibitions, films, opera, musical performances, seminars, concerts, recitals, master classes, and more. Students, faculty, staff, and the community are all invited.

Strawberry Fest
We gather on the Academic Mall every spring to enjoy a mouthwatering menu of strawberry treats and a fun-filled day of live music, dancing, and student performances. This event is traditionally held on the last Wednesday in April during Campus Lifetime in conjunction with Diversity Day when we share the many dimensions of our different heritages and lifestyles through creative arts, lectures, and cultural offerings.

URECA (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities)
Stony Brook University was one of the first research universities in the country to establish an office for the specific purpose of promoting undergraduate research and creative activities. Since 1997, the URECA Celebration, which takes place every spring, is a university-wide event that showcases the accomplishments of Stony Brook students working with faculty mentors in virtually every discipline. Students display their work through research posters, art exhibits, talks, and performances. Many undergraduates are published for the first time in the URECA-sponsored Collection of Undergraduate Research Abstracts and Creative Project Descriptions.