Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

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

  • Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

    Minnesota District Completes $49.7M Addition, Renovation Project

    St. Paul Public Schools in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $49.7-million addition and remodeling project at two district schools, according to a news release.

  • Health & Science Building

    Health & Science Building

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The College of Western Idaho's Health & Science Building has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • Full Sail University Announces First Student Housing Facility

    Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., recently announced that development has begun on its first student housing community, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Nvision Development for construction and long-term management of the facility, which will stand five stories and have the capacity for more than 570 beds.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.