Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  SUNY Korea will celebrate ‘Hanbok Day’ on October 21st as a new campaign with students from the Fashion Design Department at FIT. ‘Hanbok Day’ is a day to recognize the cultural significance of this traditional Korean attire, and to promote its preservation and development in fashion. This day was established by the Korean government in 1996, and it serves as an important occasion to honor Korea’s cultural heritage and strengthen bonds across generations. This day consists not only of wearing the hanbok, but goes beyond that into reviving the beauty of this Korean tradition with a modern touch. The Fashion Design Department at SUNY Korea FIT has come up with a variety of innovative ways to make Hanbok a more dearly loved attire in the fashion industry, contributing to its evolution from a traditional garment into a more modern and practical clothing. Through this project, the Fashion Design students have designed and crafted hanbok pieces, and invited students from Incheon to participate in this event. The event aims to provide an opportunity to learn and experience the history and values of the hanbok, so that the rich cultural heritage of Korea can be passed down to future generations.     In particular, this campaign will serve as a signicificant milestone as SUNY Korea FIT is taking the lead in celebrating Hanbok day and revitalizing Korean culture. FIT emphasizes that the hanbok should not only be worn on special occasions but also as a modern day clothing to demonstrate a new cultural identity and pride. Participation in this campaign is simple. Anyone can join by simply wearing a hanbok and sharing photos and stories on Instagram, hashtagging #HanbokDayFIT2024. Mark-Evan Blackman, the chair of the Fashion Design Department, stated, “I hope that everyone can take part in this journey of continuing to spread the importance and pride of the Hanbok to keep its legacy alive.”  

    A new exhibition, “Resonance: 60 Years of Jaewon Park’s Design Legacy,” will open at the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume on October 16, 2023. This special exhibition will run until March 7, 2024, and will be divided into two parts. The first part will feature the theme of “Black and White,” while the second part will resonate with “Color,” with around 30 outfits on display. Jaewon Park was the first Korean to host the International Biennale Costume Exhibition in the 1990s and is recognized for her contributions to the advancement of Korea’s artwear. The first part of the exhibition, “Black and White,” is inspired by East Asian art, particularly oriental painting, and features pieces made by twisting hanji (Korean traditional paper) and dyeing it with muk (Korean ink). This exhibition highlights a unique expression of East Asian art through fashion by contrasting black and white. The theme of the second part is “Color,” showcasing works that reinterpret obangsaek (the five traditional Korean cardinal colors) in a modern context. These pieces, featuring delicate handcraft techniques such as pleating and appliqué, blend tradition with modernity, illustrating the process of how handcrafted artwear evolves into practical fashion. President Arthur H. Lee delivered a congratulatory message, stating, “At our university, we strive for creativity and innovation across various fields, and this special exhibition reflects that spirit. I believe it will serve as an inspiration not only to our students but also to all visitors as they reflect on the artistic passion and legacy of Park Jaewon.” The SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume is open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays (closed on weekends and holidays). This exhibition will run from October 16 to March 7, with a scheduled closure from November 16 to 26. It will reopen with part two on November 27.  

  SUNY Korea has conducted a training program to strengthen school administrator capabilities in the age of AI digitalization in cooperation with the Seoul Bukbu Office of Education. The training program was held at Incheon Global Campus for two days on September 24 and September 26, and more than 160 people, including Lee Jeong-hee, head of the Seoul Bukbu Office of Education, 140 middle and high school principals, vice principals, and scholars, attended. The two lectures were provided by two professors from SUNY Korea. Neal Dreamson, a professor of Technological System Management, conducted a lecture under the theme of “Digital Transformation in Education” and Ryu Ji-hoon, a professor of Computer Science, did a lecture on "Intuitive Thinking and Speed of Thinking through AI." Through this training, principals, vice-principals, and supervisors were able to strengthen the capabilities that school administrators should have in the AI digital era and gain insights into the future of secondary education and the direction of school management. SUNY Korea will continue to cooperate with the Seoul Bukbu Office of Education on various programs, including training for school administrators and initiatives for students in the district.

  Linda Kim, professor of FIT, was named “Artist of the Year 2024” at the 2024 International Fashion Art Biennale. The theme of this year’s biennale was In Harmony with Nature: A Journey of Sustainable Fashion Art. Out of 77 fashion artists, representing 12 countries, Professor Kim was recognized for her exceptional contribution to sustainable fashion.  The 2024 International Fashion Art Biennale, hosted by The Korea Fashion & Culture Association, was held from September 11th to September 19th at the Oil Tank Culture Park, Culture Complex. The exhibition features thought-provoking sub-themes of Contemplation, Coexistence, and Embrace. The garments on display reflected extraordinary creativity and craftsmanship, offering a unique perspective on sustainable fashion.  Additionally, The Korea Fashion & Culture Association marked its 30th anniversary, having started with the first Gwangju Biennale in 1995.  

Stony Brook University Interim President Richard McCormick delivered his first Stony Brook State of the University address on September 25, sharing how the university will meet the challenges it faces while continuing to excel as the flagship university of New York.  McCormick — who previously served as president at Rutgers University and the University of Washington — officially joined Stony Brook on August 1 and formally introduced himself to the university community with the address, sharing his extensive experience and life-long commitment working in higher education. McCormick, who holds a PhD in history, provided “a brief history lesson” on the importance of higher education, highlighting how Stony Brook represents the most important developments in American higher education, including:   Click here to read the original article.

Department of Computer Science Professor Steven Skiena, along with his former students Rami al-Rfou and Bryan Perozzi, received the 2024 KDD Test of Time Award for their work on graph representation learning. The KDD Test of Time Award highlights the long-term value of pioneering research, acknowledging that some papers gain prominence and influence over time. Presented by the Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (ACM SIGKDD), it recognizes a paper that has made a lasting and influential impact on data mining and knowledge discovery.   Click here to read the original article.

The Museum at FIT recently opened a groundbreaking exhibition that looks at the African diaspora through a fashion lens. The museum’s associate curator of costume, Elizabeth Way, conceived of this show, Africa’s Fashion Diaspora, and selected the pieces that are on display. Newsroom spoke with the exhibition curator about how the show approaches Black identity, what visitors should look for, and how they can extend their knowledge.   Newsroom: How is this show different from other fashion exhibitions with a focus on Africa? Elizabeth Way: Africa’s Fashion Diaspora is a focused exhibition that looks at how Black fashion designers from across the diaspora are contributing to transnational conversations on modern Black identity. Philosophers and politicians have called these ideas Pan-Africanism, Black Consciousness, Négritude, and even Afrofuturism. This exhibition acknowledges fashion’s crucial role in expressing Black identity across national boundaries.   Click here to read the original article.

Stony Brook University recently announced the launch of its new AI Innovation Institute (AI3), expanding the Institute for AI-Driven Discovery and Innovation established in 2018 from a department-level institute within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences to a university-wide endeavor. AI3 Interim Director Steve Skiena, a distinguished professor in the Department of Computer Science, led a virtual Town Hall on September 11 to discuss Stony Brook’s AI initiative in more detail. Skiena began by noting the impact that AI is not limited only to high-tech disciplines, but is pervasive technology that affects everybody.    Click here to read the original article.

On Sept. 10, FIT’s sun-filled Art and Design Gallery played host to this year’s annual Fashion Design Master of Fine Arts (MFA) runway show. Featuring the designs of 13 graduates from the class of 2024 in the Fashion Design MFA program, it was the first time that an FIT runway show took place on campus during New York Fashion Week. Titled BEYOND, the show featured designers “from diverse backgrounds and cultures, converg[ing] to redefine boundaries and celebrate unity in diversity.” More than 200 guests attended, with others watching a livestream. (Visit the show’s website, fitnyc.edu/beyond, for designer bios, collection information, and the video.) The event began with opening remarks from President Joyce F. Brown, who welcomed the audience and acknowledged the graduates’ hard work in a competitive degree program. “You embraced and benefited from the experiential learning that is a cornerstone of FIT, and I know you will carry that training forward as lifelong learners in your chosen fields.”   Click here to read the original article.

  Charis Asante-Agyei, one of the first graduates of SUNY Korea and our very first alumnus to become a university professor, now teaches at Lewis & Clark College. During his years at SUNY Korea, Charis distinguished himself not only through academic excellence but also by his commitment to service, including a memorable “Africa Mission 2016” community service trip to Burkina Faso, where he organized a science camp for children. Read the second part of his History Makers interview to see how he continues to build on his story.    What is the most valuable lesson you learned at SUNY Korea that has helped you the most in life?  Embrace adventure. SUNY Korea offered me numerous opportunities to embrace adventure. A good example of this is when my colleagues and I created the Undergraduate Student Council (USC). It was a great adventure that helped students organize and develop a sense of community. Part of embracing adventure is realizing that we are not alone, and that we can serve others and help them on their own journey. And sometimes, we may even have to create our own adventures. What is your most memorable experience from your time at SUNY Korea? I will forever cherish the Rube Goldberg machine my colleagues and I built for our freshman class. In particular, I remember incorporating physics calculations regarding how a ball would roll through a circular path. That experience continues to guide how I design experiential learning for my students. I have to quickly add that each bite of DD chicken was a great memory too. Do you stay in touch with anyone from SUNY Korea?  Yes, I stay in touch with some staff members, and many of my friends who are currently alumni. I formed strong friendships that continue to this day.  I believe Professors Joseph Cabuay, Anthony Pennings, Suzana Brown, and Mark Whitaker still teach at SUNY Korea. They nurtured my curiosity and analytical abilities. What is your dream or aspiration for the future?  My dream is to develop actionable knowledge to guide sustainable entrepreneurship around the world. What message would you like to give to incoming freshmen at SUNY Korea? SUNY Korea is a great environment to nurture your pioneering spirit. Start something new, make history, and develop your entrepreneurial and global mindset. Embrace the adventure! We are History Makers. We change the world.  CLICK HERE to read his first interview CLICK HERE to watch his interview

As a child who suffered from severe childhood asthma, Burton Rocks ’94 got an early lesson in dealing with adversity. Spending much of his school years in hospitals, including Stony Brook, Rocks had to find ways to pass the lonely, solitary hours. One of those ways not only carved a path that enabled him to interact with his heroes but put him on a road that would lead to producing an award-winning documentary almost 40 years later. The 30-minute film, Burton Rocks Calling, includes snippets of interviews with subjects from sports legends like Charles Barkley and Nolan Ryan to Hollywood heavyweights like Buddy Hackett and Mickey Rooney. Rocks even got rare interviews with Negro League legends Buck Leonard and Buck O’Neil, as well as a first-hand account of one of baseball’s most enduring tales of folklore, Babe Ruth’s alleged “called shot,” from Ruth’s teammate, former Yankees player and coach Frank Crosetti. Click here to read the original article.

    On Wednesday, August 28th, SUNY Korea proudly appointed 11 new Student Ambassadors for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. President Arthur H. Lee presented each ambassador with a Certificate of Appointment, recognizing their commitment to representing SUNY Korea both on and off campus. The newly appointed Student Ambassadors will serve as representatives of SUNY Korea, embodying the university’s vision and mission wherever they go. Their role will involve promoting the university, assisting with events, and supporting fellow students throughout the academic year. The 11 Student Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 academic year are: Elisa Kim | Applied Mathematics and Statistics (Masters) Anza Amatya | Applied Mathematics and Statistics Seol Lee | Business Management Seyoung Choi | Electrical and Computer Engineering MinHee Kim | Fashion Business Management Jihye Chun | Fashion Business Management Gibson Katuma | Mechanical Engineering Diego Alejandro Alvarez Gonzalez | Mechanical Engineering Chunga Seo | Technological Systems Management Seohee Maeng | Technological Systems Management Sepehr Soheili | Technological Systems Management President Arthur H. Lee commended the students, stating, “Student Ambassadors are the face of SUNY Korea. They exemplify the spirit of our university and will contribute to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for all. As the newly appointed SUNY Korea Ambassadors, representing both Stony Brook University and FIT, I encourage you to set the exemplary standards of what it means to be a SUNY Korea student wherever you go.” SUNY Korea looks forward to the impact these ambassadors will bring as they take on their new roles for the upcoming academic year.  

  On August 23, SUNY Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) to promote the development of talented students. The signing ceremony was attended by President Arthur Lee, SMOE’s Director of Education Policy So-yeon Joo, and other key representatives from both institutions. The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation in education and research, paving the way for various initiatives to nurture young talent. A key aspect of the agreement is the introduction of a special admission program aimed at providing scholarships and educational opportunities to academically gifted students facing financial difficulties. The program will offer a pathway for these students to receive a global education and grow into future leaders. President Lee expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to have this opportunity to discover and educate more outstanding students through our partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. We look forward to launching diverse programs together to contribute to the growth and development of these students." Director Joo, speaking on behalf of Superintendent Hee Yeon Joe, emphasized the significance of the MOU, saying, "This agreement will serve as a stepping stone for high school students in Seoul to gain invaluable global education. The introduction of the ‘Social Integration Admissions’ program is especially meaningful as it aligns with Seoul's educational vision of realizing ‘Innovative Future Education of Coexistence, Where Diversity Thrives.’" This collaboration marks an important step for SUNY Korea, providing more inclusive and global education opportunities for students in the Seoul area.  

  SUNY Korea successfully held its Fall 2024 New Student Welcome Week and the Fall 2024 Convocation Ceremony for the new students of Stony Brook University (SBU) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) from August 16th to the 22nd.  The new freshmen had the opportunity to dive into their first week as university students during New Student Welcome Week. The week was packed with welcome events, orientations, campus tours, and fun activities with upperclassmen. It gave students a chance to learn more about the university, get oriented, and make new friends. The Convocation ceremony, held on Thursday, August 22nd, was attended by over 600 students and parents. The ceremony featured a welcome address by SUNY Korea President Arthur H. Lee, congratulatory speeches by SBU Executive Vice President and Provost Carl Lejuez and FIT President Joyce F. Brown, followed by a student oath, scholarship awards, and a SUNY Korea pin ceremony. For this fall semester, a total of 231 freshmen from 24 countries, including Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, and Turkey, have enrolled, surpassing the target number for the fall intake. Notably, students from Chile, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Syria have joined the SUNY Korea community for the first time, bringing the total number of nationalities represented at the university to 69. In his welcome address, President Arthur H. Lee warmly greeted the new students, stating, “SUNY Korea is the place where you explore new ideas, collaborate with peers, and learn from the best minds in each field to pursue your dreams. Remember that dreams are the seeds for future success, and always approach opportunities with curiosity and an open mind.” Following the Convocation ceremony, the new students from SBU’s six majors—Technology and Society, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Management—along with students from FIT’s two majors—Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management—will begin their semester on Friday, August 23.

  The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a part of the State University of New York (SUNY), today announced President Joyce F. Brown will be stepping down at the end of the 2024–2025 academic school year, concluding nearly 26 years of transformative service to the institution. Appointed in 1998, Dr. Brown is the first female and first African American president of FIT. “Dr. Joyce Brown’s vision has transformed FIT, and her tenure has been one of the most significant periods of leadership in the college’s history,” said Board of Trustees Chair Robin Burns-McNeill. “Her commitment to technology, innovation, and DEI modernized the college, while also deepening its commitment to our mission and to graduate success. The college will have the benefit of her strong leadership over the next year as we embark on a search for the next visionary to become the president of FIT.” Click here to read the original article.