Stony Brook University Opens New Cultural Center

  • By Matt Jones
  • 11/09/21

Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, N.Y., recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new-and-improved UNITI Cultural Center. Officials including stakeholders, state and local dignitaries gathered on Saturday, Oct. 23, to mark the opening of the $1.4-million, 4,000-square-foot facility designed by DIGroup Architecture.

Located inside the university’s student union building, “the new UNITI Cultural Center embraces all ethnicities; where students feel a sense of belonging and welcomed by a larger unified campus community,” according to a press release. The space uses design aspects like shape, color, texture and window graphics to promote a welcoming atmosphere among all the university’s students. The center will serve to connect university students, faculty and staff through multicultural programs, social discourse, academic and experiential learning, support services and advocacy. It will also offer resources for social justice education, community service and diversity-related research and assessment.

Stony Brook University UNITI Multicultural Center

“My hope is that through our collaborative process and thoughtful design, we have created an environment that fosters understanding, acceptance and a sense of community in today’s complex world for both students and staff,” said Jeffrey D. Venezia, AIA, CEO and Principal in Charge.

The UNITI (United Nationalities in Transcending Ideologies) Center was established in 1978 as a multicultural resource to foster educational, spiritual and cultural growth. Its new home in the student union was facilitated by a New York State Assembly grant of $3 million, which was put in motion by SBU alumnus and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, as well as alumnus and Assemblyman Steve Englebright.

“I could not feel more confident in Stony Brook’s ability to lead the way in this effort—we have always been a university that recognizes the importance of an inclusive, multicultural community,” said Stony Brook university President Maurie McInnis. “A university that knows the value and unparalleled potential for discovery that comes with a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. Now more than ever, I want us to rely on and uphold this integral part of our mission.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Springfield Breaks Ground on $53.7M Pipkin Middle School Rebuild

    Construction is underway on a new, state-of-the-art Pipkin Middle School in Springfield, Mo., a major step in Springfield Public Schools’ (SPS) long-term facility improvement plan, according to local news. The $53.7-million project officially broke ground in early June, following years of planning and community input aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure and addressing student capacity concerns.

  • ECM Technologies Wins ‘Most Innovative Business of the Year’ Award

    HVAC preventative maintenance and efficiency solutions provider ECM Technologies was recently named the “Most Innovative Business of the Year” at the 2025 Champions of Change Awards, according to a news release. The program recognizes Arizona business leaders and organizations taking steps to make a positive impact on the state through innovative thinking and philanthropy.

  • Tufts University Breaks Ground on Two New Residence Halls

    Tufts University in Medford, Mass., recently broke ground on two new residence halls with a total capacity of 664 beds, according to local news. The project’s ultimate goal is to expand on-campus housing and reduce pressure on the local housing market.

  • Clemson to Launch North America’s Largest College Campus Smart Parking Program

    Clemson University in Clemson, S.C., recently announced a partnership with smart parking and curbside management solutions provider eleven-x to launch a smart parking initiative for its population of 29,000 students and faculty, according to a news release.

Digital Edition