Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

On Sept. 10, FIT’s sun-filled Art and Design Gallery played host to this year’s annual Fashion Design Master of Fine Arts (MFA) runway show. Featuring the designs of 13 graduates from the class of 2024 in the Fashion Design MFA program, it was the first time that an FIT runway show took place on campus during New York Fashion Week. Titled BEYOND, the show featured designers “from diverse backgrounds and cultures, converg[ing] to redefine boundaries and celebrate unity in diversity.” More than 200 guests attended, with others watching a livestream. (Visit the show’s website, fitnyc.edu/beyond, for designer bios, collection information, and the video.) The event began with opening remarks from President Joyce F. Brown, who welcomed the audience and acknowledged the graduates’ hard work in a competitive degree program. “You embraced and benefited from the experiential learning that is a cornerstone of FIT, and I know you will carry that training forward as lifelong learners in your chosen fields.”   Click here to read the original article.

  Charis Asante-Agyei, one of the first graduates of SUNY Korea and our very first alumnus to become a university professor, now teaches at Lewis & Clark College. During his years at SUNY Korea, Charis distinguished himself not only through academic excellence but also by his commitment to service, including a memorable “Africa Mission 2016” community service trip to Burkina Faso, where he organized a science camp for children. Read the second part of his History Makers interview to see how he continues to build on his story.    What is the most valuable lesson you learned at SUNY Korea that has helped you the most in life?  Embrace adventure. SUNY Korea offered me numerous opportunities to embrace adventure. A good example of this is when my colleagues and I created the Undergraduate Student Council (USC). It was a great adventure that helped students organize and develop a sense of community. Part of embracing adventure is realizing that we are not alone, and that we can serve others and help them on their own journey. And sometimes, we may even have to create our own adventures. What is your most memorable experience from your time at SUNY Korea? I will forever cherish the Rube Goldberg machine my colleagues and I built for our freshman class. In particular, I remember incorporating physics calculations regarding how a ball would roll through a circular path. That experience continues to guide how I design experiential learning for my students. I have to quickly add that each bite of DD chicken was a great memory too. Do you stay in touch with anyone from SUNY Korea?  Yes, I stay in touch with some staff members, and many of my friends who are currently alumni. I formed strong friendships that continue to this day.  I believe Professors Joseph Cabuay, Anthony Pennings, Suzana Brown, and Mark Whitaker still teach at SUNY Korea. They nurtured my curiosity and analytical abilities. What is your dream or aspiration for the future?  My dream is to develop actionable knowledge to guide sustainable entrepreneurship around the world. What message would you like to give to incoming freshmen at SUNY Korea? SUNY Korea is a great environment to nurture your pioneering spirit. Start something new, make history, and develop your entrepreneurial and global mindset. Embrace the adventure! We are History Makers. We change the world.  CLICK HERE to read his first interview CLICK HERE to watch his interview

As a child who suffered from severe childhood asthma, Burton Rocks ’94 got an early lesson in dealing with adversity. Spending much of his school years in hospitals, including Stony Brook, Rocks had to find ways to pass the lonely, solitary hours. One of those ways not only carved a path that enabled him to interact with his heroes but put him on a road that would lead to producing an award-winning documentary almost 40 years later. The 30-minute film, Burton Rocks Calling, includes snippets of interviews with subjects from sports legends like Charles Barkley and Nolan Ryan to Hollywood heavyweights like Buddy Hackett and Mickey Rooney. Rocks even got rare interviews with Negro League legends Buck Leonard and Buck O’Neil, as well as a first-hand account of one of baseball’s most enduring tales of folklore, Babe Ruth’s alleged “called shot,” from Ruth’s teammate, former Yankees player and coach Frank Crosetti. Click here to read the original article.

    On Wednesday, August 28th, SUNY Korea proudly appointed 11 new Student Ambassadors for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. President Arthur H. Lee presented each ambassador with a Certificate of Appointment, recognizing their commitment to representing SUNY Korea both on and off campus. The newly appointed Student Ambassadors will serve as representatives of SUNY Korea, embodying the university’s vision and mission wherever they go. Their role will involve promoting the university, assisting with events, and supporting fellow students throughout the academic year. The 11 Student Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 academic year are: Elisa Kim | Applied Mathematics and Statistics (Masters) Anza Amatya | Applied Mathematics and Statistics Seol Lee | Business Management Seyoung Choi | Electrical and Computer Engineering MinHee Kim | Fashion Business Management Jihye Chun | Fashion Business Management Gibson Katuma | Mechanical Engineering Diego Alejandro Alvarez Gonzalez | Mechanical Engineering Chunga Seo | Technological Systems Management Seohee Maeng | Technological Systems Management Sepehr Soheili | Technological Systems Management President Arthur H. Lee commended the students, stating, “Student Ambassadors are the face of SUNY Korea. They exemplify the spirit of our university and will contribute to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for all. As the newly appointed SUNY Korea Ambassadors, representing both Stony Brook University and FIT, I encourage you to set the exemplary standards of what it means to be a SUNY Korea student wherever you go.” SUNY Korea looks forward to the impact these ambassadors will bring as they take on their new roles for the upcoming academic year.  

  On August 23, SUNY Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) to promote the development of talented students. The signing ceremony was attended by President Arthur Lee, SMOE’s Director of Education Policy So-yeon Joo, and other key representatives from both institutions. The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation in education and research, paving the way for various initiatives to nurture young talent. A key aspect of the agreement is the introduction of a special admission program aimed at providing scholarships and educational opportunities to academically gifted students facing financial difficulties. The program will offer a pathway for these students to receive a global education and grow into future leaders. President Lee expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to have this opportunity to discover and educate more outstanding students through our partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. We look forward to launching diverse programs together to contribute to the growth and development of these students." Director Joo, speaking on behalf of Superintendent Hee Yeon Joe, emphasized the significance of the MOU, saying, "This agreement will serve as a stepping stone for high school students in Seoul to gain invaluable global education. The introduction of the ‘Social Integration Admissions’ program is especially meaningful as it aligns with Seoul's educational vision of realizing ‘Innovative Future Education of Coexistence, Where Diversity Thrives.’" This collaboration marks an important step for SUNY Korea, providing more inclusive and global education opportunities for students in the Seoul area.  

  SUNY Korea successfully held its Fall 2024 New Student Welcome Week and the Fall 2024 Convocation Ceremony for the new students of Stony Brook University (SBU) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) from August 16th to the 22nd.  The new freshmen had the opportunity to dive into their first week as university students during New Student Welcome Week. The week was packed with welcome events, orientations, campus tours, and fun activities with upperclassmen. It gave students a chance to learn more about the university, get oriented, and make new friends. The Convocation ceremony, held on Thursday, August 22nd, was attended by over 600 students and parents. The ceremony featured a welcome address by SUNY Korea President Arthur H. Lee, congratulatory speeches by SBU Executive Vice President and Provost Carl Lejuez and FIT President Joyce F. Brown, followed by a student oath, scholarship awards, and a SUNY Korea pin ceremony. For this fall semester, a total of 231 freshmen from 24 countries, including Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, and Turkey, have enrolled, surpassing the target number for the fall intake. Notably, students from Chile, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Syria have joined the SUNY Korea community for the first time, bringing the total number of nationalities represented at the university to 69. In his welcome address, President Arthur H. Lee warmly greeted the new students, stating, “SUNY Korea is the place where you explore new ideas, collaborate with peers, and learn from the best minds in each field to pursue your dreams. Remember that dreams are the seeds for future success, and always approach opportunities with curiosity and an open mind.” Following the Convocation ceremony, the new students from SBU’s six majors—Technology and Society, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Management—along with students from FIT’s two majors—Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management—will begin their semester on Friday, August 23.

  The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a part of the State University of New York (SUNY), today announced President Joyce F. Brown will be stepping down at the end of the 2024–2025 academic school year, concluding nearly 26 years of transformative service to the institution. Appointed in 1998, Dr. Brown is the first female and first African American president of FIT. “Dr. Joyce Brown’s vision has transformed FIT, and her tenure has been one of the most significant periods of leadership in the college’s history,” said Board of Trustees Chair Robin Burns-McNeill. “Her commitment to technology, innovation, and DEI modernized the college, while also deepening its commitment to our mission and to graduate success. The college will have the benefit of her strong leadership over the next year as we embark on a search for the next visionary to become the president of FIT.” Click here to read the original article.  

  Yena Kwon, a Spring 2022 graduate of SUNY Korea's FIT program, has recently secured an exciting position as a Digital Marketing & Media Trainee at Christian Dior Couture, LVMH group in New York City. In this interview, Yena shares her inspiring journey—from studying at one of the top fashion schools to landing her dream role at one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands.  Can you introduce yourself? Hi! My name is Yena Kwon, and I am a recent graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology. I earned my AAS in Fashion Business Management at SUNY Korea and completed my BS in Advertising and Marketing Communications, with minors in Multi-Sensory Branding and Economics, at FIT New York. Why did you choose to study at SUNY Korea FIT? My passion for fashion stems from its ability to reflect people's state of mind and its responsiveness to changes in economic, historical, and environmental conditions. I was always fascinated by how fashion influences personal identity and representation. I believed that SUNY Korea FIT was the best choice for a unique educational experience that combined global perspectives with a strong foundation in Fashion Business Management while allowing me to gain insights into both the Korean and international markets. What made you continue to join your studies at FIT New York? While New York City is often celebrated as a Dream City, I have deepened my curiosity about the professional environment, the business dynamics, and the everyday life in New York. Although uncertainties exist, I was determined to embrace this opportunity to fully explore and challenge myself in ways that might not be possible in the future. I have set my goal to immerse myself in the fast-paced, innovative environment that New York is known for, and to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate and succeed in such a dynamic city. I believe that this experience will not only challenge me but also significantly contribute to my personal and professional development. Can you tell us where you are working, and how were you able to join? I am currently with Christian Dior Couture as their Trainee in the Digital Marketing and Media team. I am involved in every stage of communication, from planning to the production of campaign materials, and managing editorial content for magazines and news outlets in the North American regions. During my time at FIT, I developed a strong interest in the branding and communication aspects of fashion, which plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a brand's identity. As I built up my portfolio in brand marketing, I applied for the Digital Marketing & Media Trainee position at Christian Dior Couture through LinkedIn during my final semester. After successfully navigating a three-stage interview process, I was thrilled to receive an offer to join the team. What is your most memorable experience at SUNY Korea? My most memorable experience is when I studied with friends late at night in the lounge and in the IGC library. I think it was such a special moment that was created from SUNY Korea’s family-like atmosphere. I would never be able to imagine doing the same here in FIT New York. I also really enjoyed working on a fashion film project for my Creative Presentation course when we collaborated with Utah University’s film students. Being heavily involved from planning to execution, it was a meaningful experience for myself as it helped me concretize my passion towards advertising and marketing in fashion. In what ways has SUNY Korea FIT contributed to your career development? Are there specific lessons or skills you learned that have been particularly valuable? SUNY Korea provided me with a unique educational experience with the dual advantage of studying under the FIT curriculum in Korea. It prepared me to understand global fashion trends and branding strategies, which are essential in a dynamic field like fashion marketing. This experience, along with the network and resources provided by SUNY Korea, played a significant role in shaping my career aspirations and equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to secure my position at Christian Dior Couture. I also would like to mention the Career Development Center (CDC) at SUNY Korea which played a pivotal role in my academic and professional success. The CDC provided invaluable guidance and resources that helped me navigate the complexities of career planning and development. Through their internship panels, networking events, and one-on-one career counseling, I gained insights into the industry and honed my skills in areas such as resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies. What advice would you offer to students pursuing their academic and professional goals? For students who are pursuing their academic and professional goals, I highly recommend utilizing all the support and resources offered by your school! The Career Development Center, for example, was significant in my own career journey, providing invaluable assistance through its extensive network and supportive guidance. Additionally, getting involved in various clubs and school activities was also beneficial. It not only provided opportunities to connect with friends from different majors but also offered valuable experiences and led me to fully explore myself.                 

        SUNY Korea professor Neal Dreamson was named a Top Scholar (0.5%) by ScholarGPS in the categories of Digital Electronics and Pedagogy for his strong publication record, the impact of his work, and the notable quality of his scholarly contributions. Neal Dreamson, who teaches in the Department of Technology and Society, was ranked 73rd in the world in the field of “Pedagogy” and 32nd in the world in the “Digital Electronics” category.  ScholarGPS (https://scholargps.com) provides rankings of individuals and institutions overall (in all fields), in 14 broad Fields (such as Medicine, Engineering, or Humanities), in 177 Disciplines (such as Surgery, Computer Science, or History), and in over 350,000 Specialties (such as Cancer, Artificial Intelligence, or Ethics). Professor Dreamson stated, “Research originality comes when we think outside the box, moving away from competitive thinking within domestic systems and pursuing contributions based on humanism. This eventually leads to competitiveness in the international community.” Dr. Neal Dreamson received his Ph.D. in Socio-Cultural Philosophy from the University of Queensland. He contributes to the Incheon community through roles in various educational committees and conducts future education research with the National Education Commission.            

Transfer Student Convocation is one of the many events and activities that make up New Seawolves Welcome Week.   College life is full of milestone moments. Picking your major. Your first college class. Your last final exam. Interviewing for and perhaps even landing your first full-time job. Walking across the graduation stage. However, the moments no one talks about are those first moments as a college freshman. Emotions are high; some people have never been away from home before. Some miss their siblings. Some cannot get comfortable in a dorm bed. And, it can be lonely.  While we often put emphasis on milestone moments, it is this first touchpoint with the college experience that sets the stage for the entire experience. That’s why Stony Brook University’s New Seawolves Welcome Week has become a critical part of welcoming the newest incoming class to our campus community.  Click here to read the original article.  

<From Left to Right: Wada Yoshiaki, Member of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan; Pyungryun Yu, Vice President of SUNY Korea; Kada Hiroyuki, Member of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan>   Two members of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan visited SUNY Korea on August 7th to discuss ways to promote global education between the two counties. The Liberal Democratic Party has shown interest in Korea for its highly developed semiconductor companies and STEM-focused education. They especially expressed high interest in STEM education and industry-academic cooperation at SUNY Korea, a representative institution of global education.  Pyungryun Yu, Vice President of SUNY Korea, attended the meeting with Wada Yoshiaki and Kada Hiroyuki, Members of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan. They discussed the background and status of the establishment of the Incheon Global Campus and SUNY Korea, as well as the current status of industry-academia cooperation and future prospects. Wada Yoshiaki said, "I was able to hear about SUNY Korea after a visit to the State University of New York (SUNY), meeting with the Vice Chancellor, and I am very happy to understand and fully discuss the successful educational model of Korean campuses. I hope we will show deep interest in the achievements of STEM education and seek ways to cooperate with each other for the development of global talent and industry-academia cooperation in the future." “We are happy to introduce the excellent education system and industry-academic cooperation model of New York State University to Japanese political and research officials through this visit,” Vice-President Pyungryun Yu said. "We look forward to developing relations in the future through exchanges between the two countries."

Stony Brook University hosted a Technology Innovations Expo on July 23, part of a two-week summer program that ran from July 14-27. Photos by John Griffin.   Spinal cord injuries affect a person’s life in unfathomable ways, with no bodily system left untouched. Each year, 17,000 people in the United States have to confront this life-altering condition, which carries significant physiological and emotional challenges. Stony Brook University hosted a Technology Innovations Expo on July 23, aimed at bettering the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries. The Expo was part of a two-week summer program that ran from July 14-27, following a well-received program that took place in 2023. Click here to read the original article.  

  On Monday, July 23rd, 17 students from the Fashion Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) were invited to the newly opened Chanel & Moi – Les Ateliers Seoul. This location marks the fifth Chanel Les Ateliers worldwide, a significant milestone for the brand as the number “5” has significant meaning for the founder, Gabrielle Chanel, making the Seoul location particularly noteworthy. Recognizing the growing demand for high-end fashion in Korea, Chanel opened this latest atelier to connect more closely with its customers. The place not only offers a wide range of exclusive services but also provides comprehensive after-sales support for all Chanel products. One of the highlights is the opportunity for one-on-one connections with one of Chanel’s ‘Tailor Apprentice,’ a top specialist who possesses an in-depth understanding of the brand’s unique characteristics. During their visit, the FIT students participated in Chanel’s first-ever ‘Career Day’ at the new atelier. They were given a tour of the workshop and introduced to a special Chanel’s Apprentice Program. This recruitment initiative aims to educate and inspire young talent, fostering a new generation of designers who will continue the Chanel legacy. They were also given the opportunity to connect with the tailors and ask one-and-one questions about what it is like working at Chanel. The event emphasized the importance of building trust and maintaining strong relationships with loyal customers, highlighting how crucial it is to offer exceptional service. For the FIT students, this was a unique opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of a leading fashion house and potentially secure employment to further develop their skills.    

<Students from the NSLI-Y Program at the SUNY Korea Quad> The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Summer Immersion program offers high school students the chance to gain knowledge in critical foreign languages and cultures, funded by the U.S. government. Since 2013, SUNY Korea has hosted the NSLI-Y Korean Language and Culture Summer Immersion program in collaboration with Stony Brook University’s Center for Korean Studies. NSLI-Y offers instruction in several languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Turkish. Heejeong Sohn, the Associate Director of the Center for Korean Studies, directs the Korean language summer program. Under her direction, the program has thrived alongside the rapid development of Songdo. Initially, Songdo was still developing, but today it boasts modern amenities and efficient transportation, making it an attractive location for students. The six-week program features a rigorous curriculum with daily Korean language instruction and immersive cultural experiences. Students engage in real-life activities and field trips across Korea, deepening their understanding of Korean society and culture. The global popularity of K-pop, K-food, and K-dramas has increased interest in the Korean language and culture. As a result, the program requires students to have basic Korean language skills before arrival, enabling them to delve deeper into their studies. This year, 20 students from 16 states were selected from a competitive pool of 4,800 applicants. Hailey, a student in this year’s program, learned about NSLI-Y from a college counselor. Her interest in studying Korean and experiencing the culture was sparked during the pandemic while listening to K-pop. Starting with a basic understanding of Korean grammar and small conversations, her language skills improved significantly over the six weeks. "The culture is beautiful, the food is amazing, and the hard work, ethics, and appreciation for public property, family, and elders are really unique and special," she remarked. Another student, Emmanuel, cherished his experience during a temple stay in Gyeongju. He enjoyed conversing with a Buddhist monk and appreciated participating in the Buddhist lifestyle and the extensive walking involved.   Professor Heejeong Sohn, the Director of the NSLI-Y Korean Language and Culture program, is also the Assistant Director and Advanced Senior Lecturer in the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies at Stony Brook University. She earned her Ph.D. from Stony Brook University, where she studied history and taught Korean, eventually establishing the Center for Korean Studies.           <Left: Heejeong Sohn, Director of the NSLI-Y Korean Language Program, RIGHT: Hailey and Emmanuel, students from the NYSLI-Y Korean Language Program>

High school students and instructors in the STEP program visited Canine Companions in July. Photos by John Griffin.   This is the second summer that Professor Mei Lin (Ete) Chan from the Department of Biomedical Engineering and her group have participated in the STEP program, a New York State Education Department effort that encourages and prepares more underrepresented minority and low-income secondary school students for entry into scientific, technical, health and health-related professions, including many areas where licensure is required.  Chan is the academic advisor for 3D PATH, a newly formed student club at Stony Brook University. It is a continuation of a student group called Hands in Hands, which focused on 3D printing prosthetics. Under the leadership of club president Ciara Woellhof, 3D PATH has expanded to include all kinds of 3D-printed assistive technology. The group works with community centers, nursing homes and various high school and elementary students to carry out its initiative.  Click here to read the original article.