Student Leader Highlight

May 11th, 2011

Name: Danissa Salazar
Year: Freshman
Major: English
Hometown: Manhattan, NY

Why I came to SBU:
I chose Stony Brook University because of its great reputation of preparing students for their future. I plan to go to medical school and I am confident that Stony Brook will do a great job of preparing me for medical school and my future career.

What I like about SBU:
My favorite thing about Stony Brook is the vast amount of possibilities. This school is unique enough to offer something for everyone regardless of your interests.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Office of Student Activities Chillfest Chairperson, Vice President of the Cultural Italian American Organization (C.I.A.O.), Sustainability Coordinator for the Benedict College Hall Council, and Member of the Mockery of Styles Improv Group.

Best moment at SBU:
The best moment of time at Stony Brook was being appointed as the Chillfest Chairperson and assisting in planning innovative events for the Chillfest celebration.


April 12th, 2011

Name: Patricia D. Jimenez
Year: Junior
Major: Economics and Sociology
Hometown: Washington Heights, NY

Why I came to SBU:
I chose Stony Brook University because I got a four year scholarship to attend this school when I was in the first grade. I had no other choice because I was so enthusiastic in coming to this school for twelve years of my life. It has been the best decision I have ever made. I would not change it.

What I like about SBU:
I like the amount of activities that Stony Brook has to offer. There are several groups, clubs and organizations that host events and I always try to lend a helping hand and offer support.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
President of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc., Writer for Blackworld Newspaper, and a Mentor for the Educational Opportunity Program's Turner Aim Mentor Program.

Best moment at SBU:
I dressed up and sang Cher's popular song "Believe" in the SAC Auditorium for the entertainment of my SBU peers as the closing performance for LASO's 2009 LASO GIGANTE event.


March 3rd, 2011

Name: Stephanie Hayman
Year: Junior
Major: Business (Marketing)
Hometown: Miller Place, NY

Why I came to SBU:
I was very intrigued by everything Stony Brook University had to offer; from the academics to extra-curricular activities, honors programs and internship opportunities. I knew Stony Brook was the best choice.

What I like about SBU:
I like that Stony Brook is its own "mini city". I have met so many people and experienced so much that I would not have otherwise because there are so many opportunities at a university like Stony Brook.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Commuter Student Services Commuter Assistant, Stony Brook Blogger, Stony Brook Honors College, and Career Center Marketing Intern.

Best moment at SBU:
Giving tours to other commuter students. It felt good to help freshmen through my knowledge of the Stony Brook campus.


February 2nd, 2011

Name: Frank Posillico
Year: Junior
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Seaford, NY

Why I came to SBU:
As soon as I stepped foot on this campus I fell in love. The school stood out to me both academically and in how the campus made me feel. The environment is definitely one of a kind.

What I like about SBU:
The atmosphere; the campus is always alive, even in the cold months of the winter when you wouldn't expect it to be.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Editor-in-Chief of the Stony Brook University Statesman newspaper, President of the Society of Professional Journalists, Stony Brook Blogger, and School of Journalism Advisory Board member.

Best moment at SBU:
Pulling my first "all-nighter" working at the Statesman.


December 7th, 2010

Name: Yanil Nuñez
Year: Sophomore
Major: Sociology / Health Science
Hometown: Harlem, NY

Why I came to SBU:
Initially I was attracted to the financial compensation Stony Brook University offered me in comparison to higher priced universities that were just as competitive. Also, I have always dreamed of going away for college but I knew my family was dependant upon me for support and needed me close by. Therefore, Stony Brook University was an easy choice since it provided me with the best economical opportunity while still making it easy to travel back and forth to be with my family.

What I like about SBU:
My favorite thing about Stony Brook University is the numerous amount of social and academic events that take place. It is so easy to find and practice whatever your interests are since there are so many different clubs, groups and organizations on campus.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Treasurer of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Teaching Assistant for the Human Development 101 course, Judicial Affairs Hearing Board Member, SBU Admissions Panel Member, Resident Assistant of Kelly Quad, Student Activities Center Events Manager, Vice President for Opening Activities, and Former Peer Advisor Tutor for the Educational Opportunity Program.

Fun fact:
I was taught sign language as a child.


November 4th, 2010

Name: Franck D. Joseph II
Year: Junior
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Rosedale, NY

Why I came to SBU:
The key factor for me was location. Stony Brook University is close enough to New York City for me to be able to return home if needed at a moments notice. On the other hand, I wanted to experience the on-campus lifestyle and Stony Brook is far enough to justify me dorming on campus.

What I like about SBU:
The wide-range of people I am able to meet and interact with ranks at the top of my list. There are very few institutions that offer the amount of opportunities to network as Stony Brook University.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Spirit & Pride Committee, SEC Committee, Stony Brook Student Activities, and Two-term President of COALITION.

Fun fact:
I was born 6 days late.


October 2nd, 2010

Name: Adeel Anwer
Year: Senior
Major: Applied Math & Statistics / Economics
Hometown: Bronx, NY

Why I came to SBU:
While doing my research on what university to attend I noticed a clear distinction in academics between Stony Brook University and other institutions. I place a high value on my education and Stony Brook's record of academic excellence made it a clear choice.

What I like about SBU:
The thing I like most about Stony Brook University is its diversity. There are several different cultures and ethnicities on this campus that add up to a unique experience that cannot be duplicated.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Member of Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Former member of the Student Activities Board (SAB), South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) and Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Former USG Freshman Class and Sophomore Class Representative, and Founding member of the Student African American Brotherhood.

Best moment at SBU:
My best moment at Stony Brook University had to be when I was placed on the Dean's List for 3 consecutive semesters.


August 18th, 2010

Name: Alexander Dimitriyadi
Year: 2011
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Bayside, NY

Why I came to SBU:
Stony Brook was the first school I visited, and none of the SUNY and CUNY campuses I visited afterwards could compare to the atmosphere I felt here. I am a big believer in trusting your instincts, and I have not for one day regretted my decision.

What I like about SBU:
Stony Brook represents that which is great about America, opportunity for those who work for it, and success for those who deserve it. In just 50 years, the accomplishments of Stony Brook rival those universities that were founded over a century before us. Part of the advantage of attending Stony Brook in its infancy is that as students we have a greater part in creating, shaping and defining campus traditions that will outlive our time here.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Executive Vice President of the Undergraduate Student Government, President of the Stony Brook Computing Society, USG Senator, Senior Research Aide for Medical Informatics in the School of Medicine, and Researcher at Computer Science Department/CEWIT.


May 4th, 2010

Name: Trisha Sakhuja
Year: Junior
Hometown: Glen Oaks, NY

Why I came to SBU:
I came to Stony Brook because it is a top ranked SUNY school with many renowned programs, such as the School of Journalism, as well as the diverse student life.

What I like about SBU:
I like that Stony Brook is always upgrading its programs and always trying to make itself a better school with the help and advice of the students. The professors have always been open with the students and strive to give the students knowledge. Student life is very diverse with various amounts of organizations, clubs, and teams to become a part of. I also enjoy the many different places available to eat on campus, especially Wolfie's, Jasmine and the new Roth food court.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
VP of the South Asian Student Alliance, VP of Programming and Scholastics for Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, and worked on Mark Lesko's Political Campaign with the Democratic Committee.


April 26th, 2010

Name: Kati Overmier
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Liberty Center, OH

Why I came to SBU:
I came to SBU because of its amazing anthropology program and the fact that it was quite far from my home state.

What I like about SBU:
I love the classes and all the friends I've made since I joined Pocket Theater Club.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
I am in the play Almost, Maine being put on by Pocket Theater, and I am the founder and creator of Humans vs Zombies here at Stony Brook.


April 14th, 2010

Name: Da'Nashja Davis
Year: Junior
Hometown: Hempstead, NY

Why I came to SBU:
Very attracted to the psychology department as well as the student life on campus.

What I like about SBU:
I like that there is so much to get involved in and that there is something for every student.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc Pi Delta Chapter, Chair of the Student Activities Board, USG Senior Class planning committee member, Homecoming Chair 2010, and SBU Student Life Council committee member.


March 22nd, 2010

Name: Alvin Flete
Year: Junior
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Why I came to SBU:
Mostly, I came for the up and coming business program. As well, for the diversity on campus and the distance to the City.

What I like about SBU:
I would say its openness and ability to succeed either through student organizations, leadership conferences and faculty mentorship. Also, the over all opportunities on campus. Anywhere you go on campus you can gain leadership experience.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Latin American Student Organization, EOP, TAMP Mentoring Program, and Management Leadership for Tomorrow.


March 15th, 2010

Name: Micha Gooden
Year: Junior
Hometown: St. Lucia, West Indies

Why I came to SBU:
I transferred to Stony Brook after my freshman year at SUNY Plattsburgh. I transferred because SBU has a better science program and is also much more diverse and the proximity to the city did not hurt either.

What I like about SBU:
There are people of all walks of life here and because of that, there is an undeniable array of facilities and programs to accommodate everyone.

Things I am involved in at SBU:
Opening Activities, CHILLFEST, SAC Art Gallery, African Students Union, and Caribbean Students Organization.