SBU Eats Celebrates 62 Student Employees on Their Graduation

SBU Eats by CulinArt recently celebrated student team members who graduated from Stony Brook University this year. These students played an important role in the dining program, balancing academic demands while bringing dedication, hard work and exceptional service to our campus community.

Sixty-two graduates were proudly recognized, representing a wide range of disciplines, including biology, biochemistry, psychology, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. From undergraduate students to graduate scholars, each member of this graduating class has contributed to SBU Eats' success and will be remembered for the positive impact they have had on the team. To celebrate their achievements and service, SBU Eats presented each graduate with blue-and-white honor cords in recognition of their hard work and commitment.

Halima Aite Houssine graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science, concentrating in law and government, and a minor in philosophy. She works as a supervisor at Starbucks in Stony Brook University Hospital.

Reflecting on her experience with SBU Eats, Houssine shared, "What made the experience truly exciting was the opportunity to engage with people from all walks of life. In a university setting, every interaction carries a different story, and I came to appreciate the privilege of being a small part of so many individuals' daily routines."

As this year's graduates move into the next phase of their academic and professional journeys, they leave behind meaningful contributions across SBU Eats dining venues, retail locations, and coffee bars. Their work strengthened day-to-day operations and enhanced the overall campus experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors they served throughout their employment.

Houssine explained, "What I find most meaningful about my time with SBU Eats is not just the experience I gained, but the person it allowed me to become. What began as a job became an environment that challenged me to grow as a leader, a colleague, and an individual. The people I worked alongside transformed an ordinary workplace into something far more significant, offering support, mentorship, and friendship during some of the most formative years of my life."

Another recent graduate, Carson Chin, served as both a barista and assistant manager at Starbucks in Melville Library while completing his degree in Health Science and Applied Healthcare Informatics. Reflecting on his time with SBU Eats, Chin said, "Working at SBU Eats was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I learned real-world workflows and gained an understanding of what management actually needs from a team, giving me a foundation that goes far beyond the coffee bar."

SBU Eats extends its sincere appreciation to each graduate for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service. Congratulations to the Class of 2026, with best wishes for these students' continued success as they carry forward the skills, experiences, and connections gained during their time at Stony Brook University.