What Students Are Saying

Scholars is what really helped me get through my first year-it is a built in network of peers and faculty who were there to help me get through the transition from high
school to college in every way! Denise DeGennaro (English major)

Without the University Scholars program, my first year at Stony Brook would not have been as productive or enjoyable as it was. Since many of my first semester classes consisted of other University Scholars, I formed friendships and study groups which fostered my academic success and social well-being on campus. Scholars events helped me adjust to life at Stony Brook as well as make me aware of everything the school had to offer. Finally, University Scholars opened up meaningful opportunities for me such as the Environmental Sustainability Challenge which allowed me to participate in Stony Brook's annual Earthstock celebration. Overall, the University Scholars program was the highlight of my freshman year by allowing me to excel both academically and socially.
(Sasha Seroy, Biology major)

The University Scholars program was a truly enriching experience that made my freshmen year at Stony Brook more enjoyable than I ever could have imagined. (Jenna O'Keefe, Psychology major)

Being a University Scholar is like living an enriched life. There were more than plentiful activities and information for us to engage in; opportunities that gradually lead us to success. It was a wonderful year. Thank you, Scholars! (Shiou Mei Huang, Electrical Engineering major)

As I look back on my first year at Stony Brook, being apart of the University Scholars Program stands out as one of my most treasured experiences. Inside the classroom--namely in the first-year seminar--I made friendships with people who were indispensable, smart study-buddies, and I formed some meaningful, lasting relationships, that I think were integral to my adjustment to college life. No matter where one is coming from (I came from a public high school on L.I.) one has a lot of adjusting to do in a pretty short amount of time, and the University Scholars Program provided exactly the right kind of support for me. As a Scholar, I think it’s wonderful that there’s little to worry about when it’s registration time, particularly if one is taking some of the classic pre-health courses that lots of other people take. Priority registration alone I feel has made this program worthwhile. There’s so much more to say, but I’ll make this final point: it’s great to see fellow Scholars at events Dr. Maynard, Ms. Liggan, and others work so hard to make enjoyable. I guarantee that you’ll meet somebody new at a given event and have an amazing time. Attending Scholars Events really took my mind off of schoolwork and stressful times, and that is something I’m really thankful for. I’m proud to be apart of a dynamic, interesting, and smart group of people that have made my experience at Stony Brook unforgettable (Philip Moussazadeh, Biology major)

University Scholars has been a great program that made my first year at Stony Brook more enjoyable. Although I was not registered for the FYS 101 course offered in the program because I took my 101 with the Business Leaders Program, I felt that I was included in the Scholars community by attending the events hosted, as well as University Scholar Council meetings. My advice is to participate fully if you want to get the most out of the program. The Scholars Program builds a network between faculty and students, provides information that helps first year student transition from high school to a new college, and encourages friendships with other peers. My experience as a University Scholar has been wonderful and unforgettable! (Jennifer Jung, Business Management Major)