Whether you are taking summer classes, traveling on vacation, enjoying some relaxing time away from school or finding another way to spend your free time, we here at the Community of Awesome would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer! Thank you all for an awesome and inspirational year made possible by all of your submissions and continued support. Like many of you, we will be taking a summer vacation, but no worries, the Awesome will return soon!
CommunityOfAwesome
the simple joys of stony brook university
#200: Denise De Gennaro
Our 200th post is dedicated to the one and only, the infinitely awesome founder of the Community of Awesome: Denise De Gennaro!
Denise has been involved in Stony Brook student life in many facets since her freshman year and has worked so hard to build the Stony Brook community throughout her time here. Students, faculty, staff and administrators alike all agree that Denise – a stellar academic, a strong leader, and a passionate Seawolf – is one truly awesome individual!
Here are just a few things that members of the Stony Brook Community had to say about Denise:
“Denise’s intelligence and creativity are by far her strongest assets. She sees and approaches things differently. I have no doubt that she will rise to the top of her profession and that she will transform the communities she will serve throughout her life.” –Jerrold Stein, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
“She is amazing at thinking up innovative ways to show her Stony Brook spirit through her good fashion sense and nail art. She is a bright young woman who we will see move through the ranks of college administration quickly, at the benefit of whatever institution she chooses to help lead to the benefit of its students.” – Jeffrey Barnett, Assistant Dean of Students
“Denise has always been the person I use to demonstrate what the college experience can be like for anyone who seizes opportunities. She is a true example of what it means to be a student leader…not waiting for opportunities to come to her, but actively seeking them out and making them her own. In terms of dedication and commitment to Stony Brook, she is right up there with Wolfie, in my opinion, as being the face of the University. What she’s done for the campus community is immeasurable, and her contributions will live on well after her time here at SBU is completed.” – Jeremy Marchese, Undergraduate College Advisor for the college of Arts, Culture, Humanities
“There have been countless times when I would peer over my cubicle to say “Denise! I thought of another AWESOME thing you can post about Stony Brook!” I am very happy to have gotten the chance to work with somebody as smart, charismatic, and caring as she is. Denise has been there for me as a coworker, colleague, classmate, and most importantly friend. We have shared many coffees, laughs, and even a few cries! Her passion for higher education and specifically Stony Brook is inspiring. Needless to say, Denise has played a significant role in bringing together the awesome community that is Stony Brook University and Post #200 is just the simplest “thank you” we can give her for her amazing work and dedication.” – Jeanette Michael, Graduate Assistant for the office of the Dean of Students
“Selfless, caring student assistants at Stony Brook are AWESOME! Particularly, Graduate Student Assistant Denise DeGennaro. In addition to creating the Community of Awesome blog, she filled in as the Staff Assistant to the Dean of Students for four months and did a spectacular job. She then trained me, the new Staff Assistant, in the job. For such a young person to have such poise, professionalism and intelligence is rare. But then, so is Denise!” - Cathrine Duffy, Staff Assistant to the Associate V.P. for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
“The day she decided to play a prank of innocent DOS visitors and hide in a box. She bleeds red, literally. For Homecoming she wore red from her head to toenails. She brought spirit to a spiritless Schomburg West in her time on their hall council and spent countless sleepless nights planning amazing events for the community, and creating an epic float for Roth Regatta! I could go on and on for how much swag Denise has brought to Stony Brook, but then the blog count would hit innumerable amounts, but let’s just say when you pose the question, What is a Seawolf? One of the first people who come to mind is Denise DeGennaro.” – Christine Noonan, Evening and Weekend Program Advisor
“Denise has given so much to the campus community. It’s no wonder that her face is everywhere – her impact is everywhere! But the Community of Awesome is one of the greatest programs to hit Stony Brook. It brings a smile to everyone’s face daily and reminds us what we love about working and going to school at Stony Brook. It’s Awesomeness every day because Denise is awesome! We are all very proud of her accomplishments and wish her all the best as she pursues her advanced degree!” – John Leddy, Director of Athletic Bands
Denise has inspired so many students, staff and faculty to exceed their own expectations and be the best they can be. She will be leaving Stony Brook this fall to pursue a Master’s Degree in Higher Education, but there is no doubt that she will continue to spread the awesome everywhere she goes! As one of the current administrators for this blog, I (Rob) want to wish Denise the bestest in life! Any path you choose will be the correct one and lead to an amazing place where you will find incredible success. The newest administrator to the blog, Meg, would like to wish Denise all the best in this new chapter of her life and beyond! Denise, you are such an inspiration and there’s no doubt in my mind that you will continue to change the world, one awesome thing at a time!!
Thank you, Denise, for all that you’ve done for the Community of Awesome, and for the entire campus community at Stony Brook! YOU ARE AWESOME!
#199: Awesome Advocacy
Recently, Stony Brook University students who are passionate about health education advocated with Suffolk County to see Tobacco Action and Health Education reinstated! They were in danger of being cut, and would have affected all of Suffolk County and eliminated health education in schools. Luckily, the hard work by SB Students and other advocates on behalf of the Suffolk Office of Health Education paid off and it was not cut! Congratulations!
#198: SAC Second Floor
The second floor of the SAC is awesome! For those of you who are wondering “why? isn’t it just a bunch of offices?” – well, yes, but it is awesome because of the people who work in these offices! The professionals and students who work on the second floor of the Student Activities Center all individuals who dedicate their days to improve the student experience here at SBU. They are caring, kind, enthusiastic, creative, and are the minds behind your favorite events and campus activities. From the Dean of Students Suite, to Commuter Student Services, Student Activities, Campus Recreation, Facilities, Undergraduate Student Government…the staff of these offices all work hard for students, and that is awesome.
#197: Academic Peer Advisors!
Academic Peer Advisors are student interns who dedicate their time to assisting the Academic and Pre-Professional Advising Center in helping SB students. They are trained on the ins and outs of SB advising. According to the contributer, ”Another part of their internship is working on outreach events, where they spread the word on advising students and informing them on campus resources. Whether it be a large event like working Academic Advising day, or just being a guest speaker at an RA program, the APAs dedicate their time to help bring advising to the students. APAs also serve as TAs for ADV101, a class designed to help acclimate first semester transfer students to the University and serve as mentors for the BRIDGES program, pairing them up with another Stony Brook University student to help guide them to academic success. In short, the APAs have dedicated a year to make advising more accessible to the student population, making them AWESOME!”
#196: Pet Therapy
Pet therapy + The Dinosaur Onesie Project, double awesome!
Our friends at Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services have been hosting Pet Therapy workshops just in time for finals! “Attend a group where you will learn relaxation techniques and how to take mindful breaks from studying, while experiencing the wonderful benefits of animal therapy – Thursday, May 10th 1-2 pm … Stress is for the DOGS. No, really. Animals can help!!” Check it out and play with some cute fluffy friends!
#195: Jazz Ensemble
Ethan is a math student who thinks the Stony Brook Jazz Ensemble is a hidden gem on campus. He says the provide “jam sessions, combos, ‘Blowage’” and “it’s a great scene and more people should listen!” To learn more about the different ensembles, check out the Department of Music page right here! There is also a Minor in Jazz Studies through the Department of Music!
Image from the Department of Music homepage. Click the picture to visit!
#194: Buses Off Campus
The Transportation & Parking Student Advisory Committee meets regularly to discuss options and possible changes that can be implemented to improve student experiences with transportation on and off campus. This committee helped bring together a new partnership with Stony Brook and Suffolk County Transit, providing easier travel to places like the Smith Haven Mall and Port Jeff Village (a harbor town with lots of fun shops and restaurants!). The best part? This comes at no extra cost to students who want to go around town and enjoy their weekends! The new service starts May 26th, perfect time for students taking summer session courses, and will be available for everyone returning in Fall 2012. Learn more about Transportation Services and the Student Advisory Committee and read the story here!
#193: The Dinosaur Onesie Project
Spotted a dinosaur around campus today? No, you weren’t hallucinating from too much studying, you were seeing the awesome Arianna Warner clad in her dinosaur onesie! Arianna is an individual on a mission: to spread positvity and make generate positive change. This week in particular, she is looking to put a smile on everyone’s faces in the midst of finals.
Arianna began The Dinosaur Onesie Project when she herself was in the hospital last summer - according Arianna via the project’s Facebook page, “This “disconnect” of human interaction became apparent to me because of course no one wanted to be at a hospital. But I felt that the way that I looked at the situation morphed my experience into a positive one. My reaction to this, while suffering myself, was to purchase a dinosaur onesie I found on the internet. Wearing it around the hospital granted me instant gratification because right there in front of me I saw the smiles that were brought on by my act. Who knew something so small could have such an impact on a stranger?” Arianna is all about choosing your own attitude and being empowered to generate happiness and good feelings. These are all things we are completely on board with!!! Arianna, you are a one-woman band of awesome!
Keep your eye out for Arianna around campus – and her Dinosaur Project screen printed tees (she makes them herself!) or little wax dino figures…see what we mean here on tumblr!
#192: SB C-CERT
“The Stony Brook Campus-Community Emergency Response Team (SB C-CERT) is a volunteer organization dedicated in training its members in fire safety, first-aid, and policing techniques. You may have seen us during football games, concerts, and move-in. Wherever we may be though, we are prepared for emergencies when they strike.” SB C-CERT is awesome for volunteering their time to keep our community safe! In fact, they recently were awarded the Student Life Award for Distinguished Service!
hard at work!
Interested in joining this awesome group?? See below!
From Alexandra P., the Head of Recruitment:
Recruitment for SB C-CERT takes place in the fall. Although not mandatory, attending the Information Session will help potential ecruits in gaining a better idea of what we stand for. After that, you will have to give in an application and sign up for an interview ate. If the interview goes well, you will be notified via email if you are accepted or not. Typically, we recruit 8–12 students a emester, but that number may change depending on the quality of applicants applying and the general need for new members.The Information Session takes place in the third week of September. Check out our facebook page, “Stony Brook Campus CERT,” in the coming weeks to watch for an update. Until then, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at: sbccert@gmail.com.
