Celebrating a Year of Culture, Community and Connection with SBU’s SRGs

The first anniversary of Seawolf Resource Groups (SRGs) offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the foundation and value that our employee-led communities bring to Stony Brook University.

"SRGs were developed directly from employee feedback that highlighted a strong desire for deeper connection and engagement. By embracing a 'you asked, we listened' approach, we hope that we can foster a sense of community and belonging across all of our campuses and hospitals," said Usama Shaikh, assistant chief diversity officer.

There are now nine active SRGs, some of which include RISE UP, CARE Collective and the Postdoc Pack, with each unique SRG welcoming support and celebration toward different groups across campus.

Kenya Lewis-Brewer, assistant vice president of employee experience and organizational development at Human Resources, explained, "From an HR standpoint, Seawolf Resource Groups play an important role in strengthening the employee experience at Stony Brook."

According to Lewis-Brewer, new hire surveys show consistent improvement in Stony Brook's onboarding experience, though opportunities for growth remain. "One area where new employees continue to express challenges is in making connections beyond their immediate departments," she said, adding that the SRGs are helping bridge that gap.

Annalea Trask, events chair at RISE UP SRG, explained that their mission is to celebrate diverse voices of LGBTQ2SIA+ identified Seawolves and supporters. "RISE UP is a space for Respect, Identity, Support, Equity, Unity and Pride," said Trask.

Michael Boerner, operations chair at RISE UP SRG, added, "As a member of the university community it always feels like there was a missing grassroots opportunity to build connections across campus. Spending time organizing and connecting faculty and staff around something I know would be beneficial to members of the campus community was a no brainer."

Upon the formation of RISE UP, there were successful events that contributed to their growth. "We held our first community meet-up at Brewtique at Hoptron in Port Jefferson at the end of May. We were thrilled with the incredible turnout," said Trask.

Since then, they've held another table meet-up event at Stony Brook Medicine's Pride at the Farm at Suffolk County Farm. Haylee Hebenstreit, outreach chair at RISE UP, said, "We continue to recruit new members and really appreciate everyone sharing about RISE UP in their networks."

The RISE UP team plans to continue the development of their member-focused community. There are exciting plans for future events, including a book club, social hours on and off campus, game nights and opportunities to get involved with the local LGBTQ2SIA+ community.

Secretary and Treasurer Jonathan Castoro at CARE Collective SRG also felt the need for greater community and unification, specifically among working parents or those caring for an ailing family member. "The goal of the group is to provide resources and a safe space to those who feel like they may be alone in their journey caring for a loved one," said Castoro.

The group provides a space for connection, shared experiences and mutual support while acknowledging and addressing the challenges that caregivers face. The CARE Collective aims to strengthen relationships, encourage wellbeing and create a sense of belonging for all members.

Although CARE Collective is a newer SRG and the group is still strategizing, "Recruitment efforts are underway," said Castoro.

The Postdoc Pack SRG offers support to the research community at Stony Brook by building meaningful connections and creating networking opportunities among researchers, including postdoctoral scholars.

Jonathan Plessis-Belair, Postdoc Pack co-chair, explained, "The goal of the Postdoc Pack SRG is to make the postdoctoral experience at Stony Brook less isolated. Postdocs - and there are about 360 throughout the university - are spread throughout every corner of this campus, often with their head down focused on their work."

The Postdoc Pack is another newer SRG and is still in the works. They recently held their first ice cream social event, which hosted more than 60 attendees across 19 different departments!

The Postdoc Pack hopes to continue its event success this fall. "We are planning to host an event September 17 for postdocs across campus as a collaborative effort with the Postdoc LINK symposium being planned for the same day," said Plessis Belair. He explained that this is still in the works and more information is to come.

As SRGs celebrate their first successful year in action, there are a wide range of plans to continue building their culture, community and connection.

"We see the growth of the SRGs, along with initiatives such as the New Employee Buddy Program, as meaningful opportunities to help employees connect earlier in their Stony Brook experience," said Lewis-Brewer. "And this can help establish a stronger foundation for belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and help employees better understand and engage with all that SBU has to offer."

From the perspective of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives (DI3), "Belonging is something we create through action, listening and connection," said Judi Brown Clarke, vice president for equity & inclusion and chief health equity officer. "Our SRGs empower colleagues to build community, strengthen relationships and bring our shared values to life. I look forward to seeing these communities grow as they inspire new ideas, new connections and a stronger Stony Brook."

- Amanda Degnan