Back the Brook, a 24-hour crowdfunding event at Stony Brook University, took place on November 19 and raised more than $93,000 to support student clubs, organizations, and athletic programs. The initiative marked the university’s first event of this kind and saw participation from over 500 alumni, faculty, staff, students, friends, and parents.
The fundraising effort included direct gifts totaling over $45,000. These contributions unlocked an additional $48,500 through matching funds and challenge grants. The money will benefit 22 student groups as well as all 18 Division I athletic programs that participated in the event.
Scott Barrett, interim vice president for Advancement at Stony Brook University, commented on the outcome: “The impressive response we received from our community is exciting to witness. The Stony Brook community of students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends far surpassed our goals for this inaugural Back the Brook effort. That speaks volumes about the strength of our Stony Brook community and their commitment to supporting student success,” he said. “This remarkable impact will unlock new opportunities for our student groups as they grow, innovate and further enhance campus life in powerful ways.”
Matching funds and challenges were provided by several sources including the Stony Brook Alumni Association; Stony Brook Student Affairs; members of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean’s Council; Dr. Leonard ’80 and Ileen Moss; Guy Miller ’93; as well as other anonymous donors. All participating student groups benefited from these matches and challenges. Specific organizations such as Stony Brook Sailing, Stony Brook Crew, and SBU Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers received extra funding through special challenges held during the day.
More details are available in Kristina Brandt’s full story at SB Matters.