President Andrea Goldsmith Advances Stony Brook’s Federal Priorities During Washington Visit

Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith undertook a high-level visit to Washington, D.C., engaging national higher education leaders, federal policymakers and alumni to advance the university's research, education and healthcare priorities.

Goldsmith's visit began with her participation in meetings of the Association of American Universities (AAU), where she joined fellow university presidents from the nation's leading research institutions. Discussions focused on the evolving federal landscape and its impact on higher education and research, with particular emphasis on strengthening collaboration to advance shared priorities, including sustained federal investment in scientific innovation, student success and national competitiveness.

Building on these conversations, Goldsmith spent a full day on Capitol Hill meeting with key members of New York's congressional delegation. She expressed gratitude for providing robust funding for Stony Brook's FY26 federal appropriations priorities and for policies that strengthen public hospitals. She also advocated for the university's FY27 priorities, underscoring the critical role of federal funding in driving cutting-edge research, supporting students and delivering lifesaving care through academic medical centers.

During her visit, Goldsmith engaged directly with Senator Chuck Schumer, Rep. Nick LaLota, Rep. Grace Meng, Rep. Adriano Espaillat and Rep. Laura Gillen. These discussions reinforced Stony Brook's position as a leading public research institution and a critical partner in addressing national challenges through innovation, healthcare delivery and workforce development.

"Our conversations in Washington reaffirmed that public research universities play essential roles in driving innovation, strengthening our economy and addressing the most pressing challenges facing our nation and the world," Goldsmith said. "I am deeply grateful to our federal partners for their continued engagement with Stony Brook and their steadfast support. Their leadership in securing support for our FY26 priorities, while continuing to champion our FY27 federal requests, along with strengthening investments in research and advancing policies that sustain public hospitals, directly and profoundly impacts our students, our researchers and the patients we serve."

Goldsmith also met with Waded Cruzado, president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, to discuss advancing shared priorities across public research universities. Their conversation highlighted opportunities to further align advocacy efforts around federal research funding, expand pathways to student access and success, and elevate the role of public institutions in driving regional economic growth and national innovation ecosystems.

A particularly meaningful engagement during the visit was Goldsmith's meeting with Stony Brook alumna Elizabeth Kanick (BA '00, MA '01) , who serves as chief deputy to Senator Richard Blumenthal. Kanick has been a key behind-the-scenes advocate for Stony Brook's defense research priorities, particularly given Senator Blumenthal's service on the Senate Armed Services Committee alongside Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. She remains deeply engaged with the university community, providing strategic insight to Stony Brook's Office of Federal Relations and mentoring students interested in careers in public policy and government service.

Goldsmith concluded her visit by hosting "A Conversation with SBU President Andrea Goldsmith"on April 28, a special gathering of alumni, partners and stakeholders. Held on a rooftop overlooking the U.S. Capitol, the event provided a dynamic forum to strengthen relationships and share Stony Brook's vision for the future. Goldsmith engaged directly with attendees through a fireside chat as well as informal conversation, offering insights into the university's strategic direction while inviting dialogue and perspectives from the Stony Brook DC-based community.

"This visit underscored the strength of Stony Brook's national network of federal partners, peer institutions and our extraordinary alumni," Goldsmith said. "Stony Brook continues to elevate its voice on the national stage and drive meaningful progress on issues that matter most to its community and the country. I look forward to deepening these partnerships as we continue to advance Stony Brook's leadership in education, research, innovation, healthcare and service."