Anonymous Donor Invests in Concussion Care, Student‑Athlete Success and Coaching Excellence at Stony Brook

An anonymous donor has made a significant philanthropic commitment to establish two new endowed funds supporting Stony Brook Medicine and Stony Brook Athletics.

The Concussion Center Endowment Fund will advance research, clinical care and innovation within Stony Brook Medicine's Concussion Center. The Men's Basketball Coach Endowment Fund will be the first endowed position in Stony Brook Athletics and provide resources for the men's basketball head coach, with Geno Ford serving as the inaugural holder. Additionally, the gift provides vital support for the Men's and Women's Basketball Fund for Excellence, enhancing resources for both programs.

"This transformative commitment enhances the Concussion Center's leadership in clinical care, research and community engagement, while investing in our inspiring student-athletes and the continued strength of our basketball program," said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. "The lasting resources these endowments provide will place Stony Brook Medicine at the forefront of concussion research, evaluation and treatment while also providing the crucial support Stony Brook Athletics requires to achieve its bold ambitions. We are so grateful to the generous donor of these endowments, whose vision accelerates our excellence and impact as the No. 1 public university in New York state."

The Concussion Center Endowment Fund will foster the growth of Stony Brook Medicine's Concussion Center by enabling the creation of a dedicated clinical and research space in Lake Grove, New York, and facilitating the recruitment of leading specialists in pediatric brain health, psychology and related fields. The fund will strengthen the multidisciplinary teams that care for patients - from nurses to program managers - and enhance coordination across other departments, such as pediatrics, neurology, emergency medicine and orthopaedics. It will also expand community outreach by funding educational programs for schools and local physician groups, helping raise awareness and improve early recognition of head injuries.

"This endowment positions Stony Brook Medicine to lead the way in concussion care and research for our region," said William Wertheim, MD, executive vice president for Stony Brook Medicine. "By supporting new clinical space, expert recruitment and coordinated patient services, this fund strengthens our ability to deliver the highest standard of care to patients of all ages. It reflects a powerful commitment to advancing health and well-being across our community."

The support for the Concussion Center will serve as a catalyst for expanding hands-on care and research.

"Every day, I see how concussions disrupt the lives of patients and families, and how early, accurate care can change the trajectory of recovery," said Anne Felicia Ambrose, MD, professor of neurology and rehabilitation medicine. "This gift brings together the expertise we need to deepen our clinical capabilities and push our research on brain injury and healing. It also strengthens our outreach to schools and community providers, giving them the knowledge and confidence to recognize head injuries quickly and respond with care."

The gift additionally strengthens key areas within Stony Brook Athletics. It elevates the basketball program through the Men's Basketball Coach Endowment Fund: creating the first coaching endowed position at Stony Brook, increasing long-term stability for the program and recognizing the leadership essential to building a competitive Division I team.

"I'm grateful for the continued support of Stony Brook University and our men's basketball program," said Ford. "The commitment to our student-athletes helps provide the resources and opportunities needed to deliver a championship-level experience here on Long Island. To be entrusted with this endowed position is a tremendous honor, and I'm deeply appreciative of the belief it reflects in our program and our community."

The current-use portion of the new gift provides enhancements to the Men's and Women's Basketball Fund for Excellence that will modernize sports medicine equipment and technology, expand recruiting and team travel and improve nutrition and fueling stations.

"This gift symbolizes the boundless momentum of Stony Brook Athletics at a time when strategic investment is essential to achieving our goals," said Shawn Heilbron, director of athletics. "I am eternally grateful for the generosity of our thoughtful donors, whose unwavering belief in our vision is incredibly heartwarming. Their commitment will strengthen our department in meaningful ways and help shape the future of our programs for years to come."

Funding for the Concussion Center Endowment Fund and Men's Basketball Coach Endowment Fund was amplified through both the New York state endowment match program and the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge. While the New York state program is now complete, additional opportunities to maximize the impact of endowment gifts remain available through the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge. For more information, visit stonybrook.edu/endowments. If you have an interest in or questions about endowments, contact Danielle Holton, interim chief development officer, at (631) 444-8305 or [email protected].