In only twelve years, the Turner Fellowship Program has done great things for the State University of New York at Stony Brook. The program has enabled us to recruit more high-achieving students from underrepresented groups and our diverse student and faculty population has enriched everyone on campus.
Universities compete to attract top students of varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
These students can choose from numerous prestigious institutions nationwide. Until the state legislature began funding fellowship programs for underrepresented groups, New York State's public institutions could not compete for the best students. The Turner Fellowship Program has turned the tide, enabling Stony Brook to recruit some of the top students in the state and the nation, as evidenced by the accomplishments of some of our graduates. There has also been a multiplier effect, as the number of students from underrepresented groups has increased by a much larger percentage than can be explained by the mere availibility of fellowship funds. The Turner program has helped us create an environment that is attractive to ambitious students, and Stony Brook benefits more every year through the contributions they make to the quality of life on campus.