SUNY Old Westbury: A Legacy of Shaping Leaders and Changemakers
The State University of New York at Old Westbury, now a university, has a rich history of fostering individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Founded in 1965 as the "State University of New York College at Old Westbury" by the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees, the institution has evolved into a dynamic center for learning and social responsibility. This article explores some of the notable alumni and figures associated with SUNY Old Westbury, highlighting their achievements and contributions to society.
A Foundation Built on Vision and Service
SUNY Old Westbury's early years were marked by a commitment to addressing pressing social issues and empowering students to become agents of change. Harris Wofford, the founding president of the State University of New York at Old Westbury, served as president of the College from 1966 until 1970. Wofford's vision for the college was ambitious, he wanted Old Westbury to be a "school of the world" which meant the world students will go out into as it is defined by its problems. Take any of our major domestic concerns - urbanization, education, integration, automation, poverty - and they turn out to be world problems.” His legacy continues to inspire the university's mission to empower all students through education and advocate for a just society.
Notable Alumni
While specific names of alumni are not provided, the information suggests that SUNY Old Westbury has produced graduates who have excelled in diverse fields, embodying the university's motto "Own Your Future". The fact that approximately 80% of the university's 166 full-time professors hold the highest degree in their discipline underscores the institution's commitment to academic excellence and the potential for its students to achieve great things.
Jesse Curran
Among the notable figures associated with SUNY Old Westbury is Jesse Curran, an accomplished poet and essayist. Curran's contributions to the Long Island poetry community were recognized with the 2025 Long Island Poet of the Year Award. Awarded since 2002, the Poet of the Year has been awarded to nationally recognized poets who champion poetry and through their writing, teaching and support of the Long Island poetry community. Curran's dedication to teaching and artistic expression exemplifies the values of creativity and community engagement that SUNY Old Westbury seeks to instill in its students.
SUNY Old Westbury: A Hub for Education and Athletics
Located on Long Island, SUNY Old Westbury has grown from its initial location at Planting Fields to its present site in Nassau County. The campus provides a comprehensive educational experience, offering a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities.
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Athletics
SUNY Old Westbury's athletic teams, the Panthers, compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III as a member of the Skyline Conference. The F. The Clark Center is a venue for the Nassau County, New York, high school men's basketball playoffs as well as some women's tournament games. The events are shown on local Cablevision TV outlets News 12 Long Island and Telecare. The neighboring Jackie Robinson Athletic Complex, dedicated in 2006, adjoins the Clark Center. It includes a baseball stadium and softball field. The university features two soccer fields, eight tennis courts, and two outdoor recreational basketball courts.
Leadership and Legacy
SUNY Old Westbury has benefited from the leadership of dedicated individuals who have guided the institution through periods of growth and change. The first president of the Old Westbury campus college was John D. Maguire, who had been a religion professor at Wesleyan University and a civil rights activist. Timothy E. Sams is the current president. These leaders have played a crucial role in shaping the university's identity and fostering a culture of inclusivity and social responsibility, exemplified by Wofford's work alongside Sargent Shriver in launching the Peace Corps. He was a supporter, legal counsel and friend of the Rev. Dr. Senator from Pennsylvania in 1991, influencing both the National Service Act of 1993 and legislation that led to the establishment of such entities as Americorps and the Corporation for National Service. He served on the boards of such organizations as Youth Service America and the National Commission of Service Learning, along with founding America’s Promise, a nonprofit national service coalition, alongside then-Secretary of State Colin Powell.
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