STONY BROOK, N.Y. - The State University of New York at Stony Brook has announced a significant commitment from the Herrnstein Family Foundation to establish the Power of the Pack Endowment, a fund that will provide enduring support that is designed to strengthen the university's competitive position in NCAA Division I Athletics and elevate the student‑athlete experience. The Herrnsteins have also made a current‑use gift to Seawolves United, providing immediate resources that will enhance performance, expand opportunities and accelerate Stony Brook's rise on the national stage.
The investment arrives at a defining moment for Stony Brook Athletics, as its programs push toward Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) championships and NCAA postseason play. The Power of the Pack Endowment establishes the long‑term foundation required for Stony Brook to compete — and win — well into the future. This permanently endowed fund will strengthen the infrastructure behind competitive excellence, supporting enhanced training and equipment needs and expanded academic and career development services. It will also provide sustained resources for future renovations and capital projects, as well as scholarships and awards, including Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) support. By creating a reliable and ongoing source of funding that grows over time, the endowment positions Stony Brook to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving collegiate landscape — one where long‑term success depends on consistent, strategic investment.
"We are deeply grateful to Robin and Jim Herrnstein for their extraordinary generosity, which will elevate the experience of our student-athletes today and into the future. Their commitment strengthens our ability to provide the resources, support and facilities our student-athletes need to thrive on and off the field," Stony Brook President Andrea Goldsmith said. "The Power of the Pack Endowment will have a lasting impact on our programs and our community, and we are proud to have the Herrnsteins as partners in accelerating Stony Brook Athletics' next era of excellence."
The new commitment's current‑use funding delivers resources that strengthen the Seawolves' competitive readiness right away. This crucial support through Seawolves United expands the university's performance nutrition program, providing student‑athletes with supplemental meals and access to a certified dietitian — critical tools for recovery, endurance and year‑round training demands. The gift also enhances NIL opportunities for Men's and Women's Basketball, helping Stony Brook recruit and retain top talent capable of contending at the highest level of Division I athletics. Additional resources will advance the success of women's programs, fueling continued momentum across women's sports and empowering student‑athletes to thrive academically, athletically and personally within a strengthened, high‑performance environment.
Robin and Jim Herrnstein said their decision to support Athletics reflects their belief in the power of opportunity and the role Athletics plays in shaping the student experience. "We've long believed in Stony Brook's mission and in the extraordinary potential of its students," they said. "Athletics plays a vital role in building community, developing leadership and creating opportunities that shape young people for life. By supporting both immediate needs and long‑term sustainability, we hope to help Stony Brook compete with confidence, invest in its student‑athletes and continue its rise as a national leader. We're proud to be part of the momentum and excited to see what Seawolf student-athletes achieve next."
They have also played a long-standing role in advancing Stony Brook Athletics, including supporting the department's performance nutrition efforts and leadership development initiatives. The Herrnstein Family Foundation has also proudly supported the Men's Basketball program and Seawolves United. Their latest investment reflects a continued commitment to strengthening the university and expanding opportunities for students across disciplines and programs.
With the establishment of the Power of the Pack Endowment, Stony Brook is poised to advance its competitive ambitions, deepen its investment in student‑athletes and build a model of excellence that will define the next era of Seawolves Athletics.
Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron noted the significant impact of the gift. "I am exceedingly grateful to Robin and Jim for their generosity and continued belief in our cause," he said. "Their strong demonstration of support, including the establishment of the Power of the Pack Endowment, will have a far‑reaching impact on our department today and for many years to come. Our objective is to compete and win at the highest level of Division I, and we're infinitely appreciative of the Herrnsteins for providing a tremendous boost toward those efforts."
Funding for the Power of the Pack Endowment is amplified by both the New York State endowment match program and the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge, which will triple the impact this endowment gift will have on Stony Brook. For more information, visit stonybrook.edu/endowments. If you have interest in or questions about endowments, contact Danielle Holton, associate vice president, medicine advancement at (631) 444-8305 or
danielle.holton@stonybrookmedicine.edu.
