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A participant at last year's tournament. Photo by Carol Tokosh

The Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve will hold its annual Catch and Release Junior Angler Fishing Tournament at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, on Saturday,  June 14. The event is rain or shine.

The tournament will be divided into two groups: ages 5 through 8 from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. and ages 9 to 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Sign-in begins 30 minutes before each start time. Trophies will be awarded in three categories at each session.

Those interested in participating in the tournament must register by Thursday, June 12, and adults must accompany anglers under the age of 10. The entry fee is $20 and includes bait, hooks and bobbers, junior angler tee shirts, refreshments, and goody bags for all participants. A limited number of fishing rods are available if required. An $8 NYS Parks parking fee will be in effect. 

For more information or to register, call the Caleb Smith State Preserve office at 631-265-1054, Tuesday through Sunday.

Northwell Health’s Michael Dowling (left) and Dr. John D’Angelo. Photo by Lee Weissman/Northwell Health
Dowling will transition to CEO Emeritus in October.

Northwell Health has announced that after serving as Northwell’s first president and chief executive officer for more than 23 years, Michael J. Dowling will step down effective October 1, 2025 and transition to the role of CEO Emeritus, where he will serve in an advisory capacity, supporting the advancement of key public health initiatives, and focusing on teaching and writing, according to a press released on May 14.

Dowling’s transition marks the end of an extraordinary tenure characterized by significant growth, industry innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing health for all. Over the past two decades, his visionary leadership has transformed Northwell from a network of Long Island-based hospitals into one of the nation’s ten largest health systems, renowned for its clinical, academic, and research excellence. Under his leadership, Northwell became New York State’s first integrated health system in 1992 and now includes 28 hospitals across New York and Connecticut, employing 104,000 individuals, with over 14,000 affiliated physicians, 1,000 care locations, and a comprehensive network of home care, rehabilitation, and end-of-life services.

As president and CEO of Northwell, Michael Dowling spearheaded the system’s remarkable expansion, championing investments in research, leading to the growth of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and positioning Northwell at the forefront of bioelectronic medicine. His dedication to innovative medical education through the Zucker School of Medicine, the Hofstra-Northwell School of Nursing, and Northwell’s Center for Learning and Innovation has cultivated the next generation of health care professionals.

Additionally,  Dowling has taken a leadership role in addressing gun violence, the leading cause of death among children in the United States, recognizing it as a critical health care issue. He has mobilized over 60 health care CEOs nationwide to support gun violence prevention. For 18 consecutive years, he has been named to Modern Healthcare magazine’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare,” achieving the magazine’s #1 ranking in 2022.

NEWS_John-DAngelo-CEO

Above, Dr. John D’Angelo will succeed Dowling in the fall.

After an extensive nationwide search, and confirmed in a unanimous vote, Northwell’s Board of Trustees has appointed John D’Angelo, MD, who currently serves as executive vice president of the health system’s central region, to succeed Dowling as president and CEO in October. Dr. D’Angelo began his more than 25-year tenure at Northwell as an emergency medicine physician at Glen Cove Hospital before advancing into health system-wide clinical and administrative leadership roles.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead Northwell through a period of unprecedented growth and clinical transformation that has enabled our team members to make a meaningful difference and improve the lives of the tens of millions of patients and families who we’ve cared for over the last 25 years,” said Dowling in the release.

“In Dr. D’Angelo, the Board of Trustees has selected a tremendous leader who will lead Northwell to greater heights. John is someone who understands and champions Northwell’s unique and differentiated culture and his clinical and operational acumen coupled with skills as a decisive and collaborative leader will enable Northwell to raise the bar on the quality of care we deliver to the communities we serve in New York and Connecticut. I look forward to partnering with Dr. D’Angelo in the coming months to help ensure a seamless transition to what will be an exciting new chapter in the 33-year history of Northwell,” he added.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected to succeed Michael Dowling as Northwell President and CEO. I am committed to build on his unparalleled legacy and vision that grew Northwell from a Long Island-based health system into a regional and national health care leader,” said Dr. D’Angelo. “Health care is a calling. Every minute of every day, we have an opportunity to change someone’s life for the better, and I look forward to leading our more than 100,000 team members who contribute to this critically important mission. Together, we will continue advancing better health for all.”

As president of Northwell’s central region, Dr. D’Angelo leads a dynamic health care network serving 2.8 million residents in western Nassau County and Queens, a network that includes six hospitals, over 270 ambulatory practice locations, and a dedicated team of 24,000 employees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. D’Angelo was at the forefront, orchestrating Northwell’s operational response and later becoming Chief of Integrated Operations, charged with streamlining system operations in the post-pandemic era.

Before this role, Dr. D’Angelo was the senior vice president of Northwell’s Emergency Medicine service line, where he managed 18 emergency departments and a network of 60+ urgent care centers, serving 1.5 million patients annually. With nearly three decades of experience as an emergency medicine physician, Dr. D’Angelo possesses a deep understanding of clinical care delivery, quality, process improvement, and operational management.

“The Northwell Board of Trustees is enormously grateful for Michael Dowling’s extraordinary tenure, and we are delighted to name Dr. D’Angelo as our next CEO,” said Board Chair Margaret Crotty. “Dr. D’Angelo is an experienced administrator, leading a region that itself would rank among the country’s largest health systems. He is a trusted mentor for so many Northwell leaders; a respected manager who inspires his team to consistently drive results; and a strategic leader who deploys technology toward the best health outcomes. John clearly stood out among an impressive slate as the best person to bring Northwell into a new era of care.”

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook University Athletics

The Stony Brook baseball team broke a 2-2 tie with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning — highlighted by a three-run blast from Erik Paulsen — and rolled to a 12-5 win over Monmouth on May 17 to celebrate 2025 Senior Day at Joe Nathan Field.

Senior John Rizzo got the start on his special day and worked around a two-out walk with a groundout to short to keep Monmouth off the board in the first.

James Schaffer led off the bottom half with a single and stole second, then scored on a gap shot by Paulsen to give Stony Brook a 1-0 lead. After a popout, Nick Solorzano doubled to right-center to bring home Paulsen and make it 2-0.

Monmouth answered in the top of the second, scoring two runs on three hits to tie the game at 2-2. Mike Villani led off the bottom half with a walk, but the Seawolves were kept off the board.

Rizzo came back with a 1-2-3 third, inducing two groundouts. The Seawolves also went down in order.

In the fourth, Rizzo worked around a one-out single after Solorzano threw out the runner at second with help from Matt Miceli. He issued another walk but stranded the runner with a groundout to short.

The game stayed tied at 2-2 after a quiet bottom half from the Seawolves.

Monmouth threatened again in the fifth, putting runners on the corners with two outs after back-to-back hits, but Rizzo escaped the jam with a caught stealing to end the inning.

Kincaid Bergthold led off the bottom of the frame with a double down the third base line. After Nick Zampieron moved him to third on a bunt, Miceli knocked him in with a single to center. A few batters later, Paulsen crushed a three-run homer to right, giving the Seawolves a 6-2 lead.

The Hawks cut the lead to 6-4 with a two-run homer in the top of the sixth.

In the home half, Villani walked and Bergthold was hit by a pitch to start the rally. Miceli doubled down the left field line to bring home Villani, and Schaffer followed with a single to center that scored both Bergthold and Miceli. After Schaffer scored on an error, Cam Santerre ripped a two-run double down the line to cap a six-run inning and push the lead to 12-4.

Monmouth added a run in the seventh on two hits to trim the deficit to 12-5. The Seawolves were retired in order in the bottom half.

After a Monmouth leadoff double in the eighth, Matthew Jackson and Miceli connected with Solorzano at the plate to cut down the runner trying to score. Vincent Mariella induced a groundout to first to end the inning and keep the lead intact.

Following another quick bottom of the eighth, Monmouth opened the ninth with back-to-back hits. Mariella received a standing ovation as he exited the game, and Aidan Colagrande came on in relief. Solorzano picked off the runner at first for the first out, and after a hit-by-pitch, Colagrande closed it out with a flyout and a strikeout to seal the sweep.

Head coach Matt Senk earned his 970th career win in his 1,666th game. He finishes his career seventh among active head coaches in victories and is the only active Division I coach to win 970 games at a single program.

The Seawolves concluded the 2025 season at 25-27 overall (11-16 CAA), including a 13-11 mark at Joe Nathan Field.

Photo from Staller Center Facebook

This summer marks a major milestone as the Stony Brook Film Festival  celebrates its 30th anniversary at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts. Running from Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, July 26, audiences are invited to experience ten nights of extraordinary films from around the world, including world premieres, U.S. debuts, and must-sees that you cannot see anywhere else.

Early Bird Passes are on sale now, offering the best value for access to the film screenings and festival events. Pass options include the VIP Gold Pass, Regular Pass, and the Flex Pass, which grants access to any five days of the festival. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-time guest, there’s a pass to match your interest and availability. Pass prices increase after June 9, so film lovers are encouraged to secure their passes early for the best price at stonybrookfilmfestival.com.

What began in 1995 as a modest campus initiative to enliven the quiet summer months has grown into a nationally recognized festival known for its bold storytelling and strong community of filmmakers and filmgoers. Over the past three decades, the festival has remained a champion of hard-to-find films, selected from over 2,000 annual submissions, and continues to thrive as a live, in-theater experience. This year’s lineup features 36 amazing short films and powerful feature-length dramas, thrillers, and comedies—many of which are screening for the very first time. These exceptional American independent and international titles cannot be seen in local theaters or streamed on any platform. They are only available on the region’s largest screen at Staller.

All passholders receive guaranteed Priority Seating, entry to filmmaker Q&As, eligibility to vote for the Audience Choice Awards, discounts at local partner businesses, and a commemorative festival gift. Each pass level includes its own set of perks, which can be found at stonybrookfilmfestival.com/pass.

Take this opportunity to be part of a cinematic tradition 30 years in the making. For more information and to purchase Early Bird Passes, visit stonybrookfilmfestival.com.

From left, (standing) Chief of Department Sean Martin, Third Assistant Chief Ken Kowalchuk, Commissioner John Buchner, Commissioner Ken Staufer, Commissioner Hank Strong, Second Assistant Chief Jeremy Freund, (sitting) Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Commissioner Debra Handel, and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office
Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio joined local leaders, first responders, and residents in honoring the members of the Rocky Point Fire Department at their annual Installation Dinner held on Saturday, May 17th at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point. The event marked the formal installation of the department’s 2025 officers and celebrated the continued dedication and service of the department’s firefighters and volunteers.
“It’s always a privilege to be with the brave men and women of the Rocky Point Fire Department,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Their selfless commitment to protecting our community is truly inspiring, and this evening is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work.”
The Installation Dinner is a time-honored tradition that brings together the Rocky Point community in support of its fire and emergency medical services. The evening featured speeches, acknowledgments of years of service, and the swearing-in of newly appointed leadership within the department. Councilwoman Bonner expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the department for their ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and for the sacrifices they make every day in service to the community.

Dr. James Paci and Dr. Robert Trasolini pose with orthopedic implants. Photo from Northwell Health
The sports medicine team at Huntington Hospital’s orthopedics department has introduced two biologically advanced implant procedures designed to improve outcomes for patients with knee injuries and early joint degeneration.

Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Robert Trasolini, DO, recently performed the hospital’s first BEAR® (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration) Implant procedure on an 18-year-old male athlete, offering a promising new alternative to traditional ACL reconstruction. The BEAR implant is a collagen-based device that, when combined with the patient’s blood, forms a collagen matrix that protects and supports the healing ligament. It contains biological signals that stimulate the ACL to heal, preserving the body’s own tissue rather than replacing it with a graft.

“This is a tremendous advancement for younger, active patients,” said Dr. Trasolini. “The BEAR implant not only restores stability to the knee but does so in a way that supports the body’s natural healing process, potentially reducing recovery time and improving long-term joint health.”

In a separate milestone, James Paci, MD, director of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine for Suffolk County at The Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group at Northwell, performed the hospital’s first CartiHeal Agili-C™ implant procedure on a 52-year-old female patient. The coral-based implant acts as a biological scaffold for patients with cartilage lesions who have not yet reached the stage requiring a total knee replacement.

The implant is designed to buy patients 10 to 15 years of pain relief and function before more invasive surgery might be necessary. Made from natural coral, the implant encourages bone marrow elements to migrate into the lesion, promoting the regrowth of cartilage over 6 to 9 months.

“This technology fills a significant gap in our treatment options,” said Dr. Paci. “For the right patient, typically someone too young or active for a knee replacement but dealing with painful cartilage defects, the Agili-C implant offers a bridge that restores function and improves quality of life.”

“These breakthrough procedures reflect Huntington Hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering advanced, evidence-based orthopedic care to our community,” said Adam Bitterman, DO, chairman of orthopedic surgery at Huntington Hospital. “Innovative treatments like these not only enhance recovery outcomes but also support the long-term joint health and quality of life for our patients.”

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook recently hosted Huntington Film Director Sean Quincy King  who screened his latest film ScreamWalkers on May 17. This event was part of LIMEHOF’s Monthly Local Filmmakers Series putting the spotlight on Long Island Directors and their films.

“We’re so appreciative of the spotlight and the opportunity to screen here,” said King. “Having a place like LIMEHOF to screen local movies and feature local talent is so invaluable because it gives other people the opportunity to see what’s happening locally and to inspire. For someone who just started a band or just picked up a movie camera for the first time…to see that there is a place here that is interested and is willing to feature you and give you a chance. Filmmakers beg for that kind of opportunity.”

The film series is sponsored by Rob Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G&R Events. Following the screening, there was a Q&A panel emceed by LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham. Director Sean King, Bob Heckman, Will Puntarich, Glenn McBride Jr. and Peter Bune Jr. participated.

“The LIMEHOF Local Filmmakers Series is a celebration of the incredible filmmaking talent emerging from our region,” said Needham. “Each month, we showcase the creativity, passion, and dedication of local filmmakers, providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with audiences who appreciate the power of storytelling. This series is an important part of our mission to support the arts and highlight Long Island’s impact on the entertainment industry.”

Sean Qunicy King is an award-winning director, cinematographer, producer and actor whose films and TV credits include the cult classic comedy/horror TV show The Ghouligans! (2005-2015). He is also known for his cinematography work on the award-winning films Night For Day (2008), The Night Never Sleeps (2012), Send No Flowers (2013), and Cigarette Soup (2014). King has also worked as director on many commercials, documentaries, feature and television projects as well, such as Lost Suburbia (2007), This Mortal Coil (2010), and Hunter’s Moon(2015).

Screamwalkers was shot on Long Island in Huntington, Northport, Farmingville, and Setauket and stars actors from Long Island including Elizabeth Davoli, Glenn McBride Jr., Sasha Graham, Andy Rowell, Jason Seidl, Celia Spero, Rose Stark, Will Puntarich, Dino Castelli, Jen Elyse Feldy, Bernard Jackson, Ariann Huether, Ed Huether, Arabelis Griffin, Talia Griffin, Aidan P. Finnegan, Joe Winchell and Matt Weir.

The next LIMEOHF Local Filmmaker series film series event will be on June 21st and feature West Babylon Film Director Joe Pomarico. LIMEHOF welcomes nominations of local film directors and movies for consideration to feature in the series. For more information: Contact LIMEHOF at [email protected]

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms.  In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

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The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport continues its Main Stage season with a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific from May 15 to June 29.

The beloved musical takes place on a South Pacific island during World War II where two love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. With songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Spring-time,” and “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” the show’s lush score contains some of the best songs ever written by Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Directed by Tony-nominated director, actor, and writer Hunter Foster, with musical direction by Kyle Dixon, the cast features Taylor Aronson as Nellie Forbush, Mike McGowan as Emile De Becque, Carol Angeli as Bloody Mary, Philip Bryan as Luther Billis, Malia Munley as Liat,  and Alec Nevin as Lt. Joseph Cable.

The cast also includes Ellie Baker, Madeline Benoit, Michael Bingham, JR Bruno, Peyton Cassity, Ylvie Cuisine, Maxime Detoledo, Joah Ditto, Travis Flynt, Tyler Gallaher, Mike Keller, Landon Koh, Leo London, Danny Maguire, Carmella Manapat, Vivica Powell, Kristin Tagg, Matthew Wautier-Rodriguez and Elizabeth Zhang.  

South Pacific‘s schedule includes Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m, Thursdays at 8:00 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets start at $82 and may be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at engemantheater.com, or visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.

 

 

Mitch Pally

Discover Long Island (DLI) has appointed current Board Chair Mitch Pally as Interim President & CEO, following the recent announcement that longtime President & CEO Kristen Reynolds’ departure to take the lead of Choose Chicago, according to a press release.

“With Pally at the helm, the organization is confidently moving forward, maintaining its strong momentum and unwavering dedication to promoting Suffolk County Long Island as a premier travel destination. A well-respected figure in the region with decades of leadership experience, Pally brings a deep understanding of the destination’s economic, political, and tourism ecosystem, as well as a steadfast commitment to ensuring a seamless transition at Discover Long Island,” read the release.

“Long Island’s tourism industry has never been stronger, and I’m honored to step into this interim role to help keep the incredible momentum going,” said Pally. “Kristen built a world-class organization over the past decade, and I’m excited to continue working with this outstanding team to ensure 2025 continues to be a landmark year for tourism, economic growth, and community pride within Suffolk County and the greater Long Island region.”

“As a longtime board member and tourism advocate, I’ve seen firsthand the positive trajectory that Discover Long Island has cultivated over the years,” said Hilton Long Island General Manager and DLI Board Treasurer, Gus Montesantos. “Even with this leadership change, our collective momentum is undeniable and the future for Long Island’s visitor economy is brighter than ever.”

Pally is no stranger to Long Island tourism and economic development. He is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Long Island Builders Institute, from 2010 to 2022, and current chair of the Midway Crossing Local Development Corporation, chair of the Long Island MacArthur Airport Advisory Board, co-chair of the Long Island Business Development Council, and a member of the Town of Brookhaven Industrial Development Corp. Pally has also served as a member of the board of commissioners of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for 14 years and Vice President of the Long Island Association from 1986 to 2009.

Since 2012, he has also been a member of the Board of Directors of AAA Northeast, one of the four largest auto clubs in the country. Additionally, Pally has served as a partner in Weber Law Group from 2005 to 2010. He also served in the New York State Legislature from 1975 to 1985, including a position as Chief Counsel of the NYS Senate Transportation Committee. Pally has been a member of the board of Discover Long Island for the past eight years and previously served on the board of its previous tourism organization, the Long Island Convention + Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission for 12 years.

Discover Long Island’s Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Wyman, will continue to provide operational leadership and strategic support during the transition, alongside the rest of the DiscoverLong Island Board of Directors.

“Our team is energized and fully aligned in our mission,” said Wyman. “With Mitch’s trusted leadership and our dedicated staff, we won’t be skipping a beat. Long Island’s future is bright, and we’re ready to build on the strong foundation Kristen helped establish.”

“Change in leadership is a natural part of any thriving organization,” said HIA-LI President & CEO and DLI Board Member, Terri Alessi-Miceli. “What sets Discover Long Island apart here is the unity, passion, and professionalism of its team and board. The organization’s innovative approach and strong partnerships have always set the standard for destination marketing, and under Mitch’s interim leadership, I have every confidence DLI will only continue to grow stronger and more influential.”

Discover Long Island’s Board of Directors will soon initiate a formal search for a new full-time President & CEO. In the meantime, the organization remains laser-focused on its mission to drive year-round tourism, support local businesses, and celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Suffolk County’s communities.

“Kristen Reynolds had taken Discover Long Island to new heights and amplified its impact exponentially, and Mitch Pally’s extensive experience in economic development will serve the organization well as we search for a new leader to build upon the foundation Kristen established,” said Long Island Association President & CEO and DLI Board Member, Matt Cohen.

“Adventureland has proudly partnered with Discover Long Island for many years, and we’ve never been more confident in the organization’s future,” said Steve Gentile, President of Adventureland. “The DLI team’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community makes us proud to stand alongside them during this next phase.”

To stay up to date on Discover Long Island’s efforts, visit discoverlongisland.com.

Udya Dewanamuni

Udya Dewanamuni, a Suffolk County Community College Honor’s Program student and NSF-I-SUCCESS STEM scholar in both chemistry and physics from Ronkonkoma, is one of only 90 high-achieving community college students nationwide selected to receive the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a highly competitive national scholarship that provides up to $55,000 annually toward completion of a bachelor’s degree. This is the largest private scholarship awarded to community college transfer students in the country. Udya is the thirteenth Jack Kent Cooke scholar in the college’s 66-year history.

Beyond funding, Jack Kent Cooke Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. Scholars also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke scholars and alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support – ensuring they have every tool needed to thrive beyond community college.

This year’s selection process drew more than 1,600 applications from community colleges across the nation. The 90 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 467 students. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence, and leadership qualities.

A Physics major, Udya holds a 4.0 GPA and has earned consistent recognition on the Dean’s List for two years. She is a Get There From Here scholar, an Honors Program student and serves as Vice President of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa. She serves as a Student Government Senator and President of the Math Club. An NFS-I-SUCCESS STEM scholar and tutor in both chemistry and physics, Udya has engaged in interdisciplinary research projects with Brookhaven National Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Boston University, and the Mathematics Department at Suffolk. She is also a recipient of numerous awards, most notably the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar, PTK All-State Academic Team, and the winner of the PTK NY Region Nontraditional Student Award. In the fall, she will be studying Chemical and Biological Engineering and is currently awaiting final admissions decisions from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Stanford.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Udya for achieving this remarkable honor, which reflects not only her exceptional accomplishments but also brings great pride to Suffolk County Community College,” stated Dr. Edward Bonahue, Suffolk County Community College President.

“Udya is the epitome of a great student. From the moment she started in our program she took advantage of all opportunities we have to offer and not only succeeded but thrived. She not only celebrated her own success, but she used her experiences to encourage others. According to Deanna Downs, Coordinator of the Physical Science Learning Center, Udya is the most sought-after tutor and students regularly praise both her deep understanding of physics and chemistry and her ability to break down complex topics with clarity. Udya’s impact reaches far beyond her own academic success, and she has left a meaningful legacy that will continue to inspire long after she graduates,” said Sean Tvelia, Professor and Academic Chair of the Physical Sciences Department at Suffolk County Community College.

“Being selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholar is an incredible honor that allows me to continue my academic journey towards becoming a physician-scientist,” said Udya Dewanamuni. “This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the amazing support of my community, and it motivates me to keep striving for excellence while helping others achieve their dreams as well. Ultimately, this scholarship empowers me to keep moving forward, aiming to become the best version of myself daily!”

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 21,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With approximately 145,000 alumni, Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school to college and into careers.

About the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded almost $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career pathway counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. www.jkcf.org