AWARDS

May 2009 Commencement Speaker

Selection Criteria and Guidelines

Each year a graduating senior is selected to address the graduating class, family members, friends, faculty and staff.  This year speech submissions are due by Friday, March 6, 2009 and should be e-mailed directly to:

Ronnie Paschkes
Associate Dean of Students
Senior Commencement Speaker Selection Committee at: rpaschkes@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Only speeches sent via e-mail will be accepted.

Download the commencement speaker application cover sheet

Submission Requirements

Speeches should be:

  1. typed and double spaced
  2. no more than 3 – 5 pages, or five minutes in length
  3. accompanied by a current resume (include all co-curricular activities, awards, and accomplishments) and a Commencement Application Cover Sheet

Speeches will be judged on the following:

  1. Creativity: Does the writer put forth fresh new ideas? Would graduates be challenged in their thinking? Is the speech enthusiastic and/or exciting?
  2. Content: Is the content and overall message suitable for a graduation address?
  3. Clarity: Does the presenter speak clearly?
  4. Stage Presence: Does the presenter look at the audience or are they reading the speech? Is the speech presented enthusiastically?

Selection Process

After the selection committee reviews all submissions, the finalists will be asked to present their speech to a panel of judges comprised of faculty and staff members.  A faculty member will be available to work with the winner to refine the speech for Commencement.  The procedure is fairly rigorous because of the importance of the task and visible platform it provides one person to represent our student body to thousands.

If you have any questions regarding the committee, selection process, or speech requirements, please contact Ronnie Paschkes, Associate Dean of Students at (631) 632-7320 or by email at rpaschkes@notes.cc.sunysb.edu.

Elizabeth D. Couey Award

The Couey Award was established in 1974 in memory of Stony Brook's first Coordinator of Student Activities. Ms. Couey's concerns for students and student life greatly contributed to the growth of University student services and to the establishment of the Stony Brook Union.

The award is presented each year to seniors who plan to graduate during that calendar year. The nominees must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 at the time of nomination. The nominees must have made outstanding contributions towards the improvements and growth of student affairs and student programs at Stony Brook. The nominees must also exemplify Elizabeth Couey's unique qualities, which include the ability to listen with understanding, guide without boundaries, give and take with love and grow with each passing day.

Download the nomination flyer here. Nominations must be emailed to Alexandra Duggan.

Senior Leadership and Service Award

The Senior Leadership and Service Awards are given to graduating seniors who have made an outstanding contribution to campus life by making a difference in the lives of other Stony Brook Community members. The award is presented each year to seniors who plan to graduate during that calendar year.

Nominees must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 at the time of the nomination. Nominees must have demonstrated leadership and/or service through tangible contributions to the University. Deadline for nominations is April 24, 2009.

Click here for the online nomination form.

Student Leader of the Month Award

The Student Leader of the Month Award is designed to recognize student leaders who have made Stony Brook University a better place. Each month we will recognize a student leader who has made significant contributions to the Stony Brook community at large. The real tribute of this award is the nomination.

The student leader that is chosen each month will receive a certificate of appreciation and their name will be placed on a perennial plaque in the Dean of Students Suite in SAC 222.

Student Club/Organization of the Month Award

The Club/Organization of the Month Award is designed to recognize a club or organization that has made Stony Brook University a better place. Each month we recognize a club/organization who have made significant contributions to their club/organization membership, student body, and the Stony Brook community at large. The Office of Student Activities would like to emphasize that the real tribute of this award is the nomination.

The club/organization that is chosen for each month will receive a certificate of appreciation and their name will be placed on a perennial plaque located in the Dean of Students Suite, SAC 222.

Nominations for 2008-2009 Student Life Awards
For Excellence in Student Leadership and Campus Involvement

Stony Brook faculty, staff, and students are invited to nominate student leaders and student organizations for the 2008-2009 Student Life Awards for their outstanding contributions to University life in the areas of leadership, campus programming, and advising. Awards will be given to individual students, student clubs and organizations, and faculty/staff advisors to student groups. A selection committee chaired by Jeffrey Barnett, Assistant Dean of Students, will review all nominations and recommends the award recipients. Each recipient will be honored at the annual Student Life Awards Ceremony & Reception, on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Student Activities Ballroom A. This event is followed by a reception and is open to the entire campus community.

Dean Stein's Call for Nominations Letter, the award category descriptions and award criteria may be downloaded below, along with the online nomination forms. The deadline of nominations is Monday April 20th at 5pm.

If you have any questions about the Student Life Awards, please call the Director of Student Activities, Alexandra Duggan at (631) 632-7320 or send email to studentlifeawards@notes.cc.sunysb.edu