HR Launches New Initiative, Because Everyone Needs a Buddy!

Shown (l-r) at the first New Employee Buddy Program graduation are: Usama Shaikh, Frederick Koromi, Michael Lally, Jonathan Castoro, Kenya Lewis-Brewer, Marla Feld, Joessie Mathews. Julianna Ashton, Sherie Peacock-Flohr, Elizabeth Brady, Herbert Schramm, Hilary Noren, William Corrigan, Joseph Frisina, Aaron Zeiler and Gabrielle Barone.

Coming onto our large campus for the first time as a new employee can be overwhelming. Finding things you need, connecting with the right people, even just getting a grasp of our culture and values.

Recognizing the value of 'people helping people' find their way, especially during those first few months of employment, Stony Brook University's Human Resource Services (SBUHR) recently launched its first formal, campus-wide New Employee Buddy Program. And after three months, five workshops and plenty of helpful resources and guidance, the first cohort of 20 buddies is ready for action in January to help their fellow employees have their best onboarding experience with personal, one-on-one support.

"The 'buddy' program is not a new concept at Stony Brook - many departments across campus have implemented similar models over the years," said Kenya Lewis-Brewer. "What makes this initiative different is that we are now offering a coordinated, campus-wide program designed to reach areas that may not have had access to this type of support."

Brewer, Stony Brook's assistant vice president for people, culture and engagement added that, "We want employees to know HR cares and is there for them, and we want employees to connect easily with each other. It's also an opportunity for the buddies to get to know each other and network across areas as they help employees in all different departments. It helps 'break the silos' that too often exist."

The buddies, many of whom are fairly new to Stony Brook themselves (one to three years in), are equally excited to get started.

Said Michael Lally from Advancement, "I had a buddy in my department, someone showing you the ropes, answering your questions, telling you how things work, basically helping you transition. Someone to bounce things off of. I had such a positive experience that when I heard about this program, I wanted to be a buddy for someone else."

Also from Advancement, Marla Feld said she appreciates "the opportunity to work across departments - to help new employees outside of my area and to make different connections. So many departments do work together across campus and this is another way to help people understand those bridges."

Hilary Noren, from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean's Office, Faculty Affairs, said she "wanted to support the university and showcase what I like so much about it. I grew up in the Stony Brook community and got my Master's here at the university. I like helping people and showing them this beautiful campus. Also giving someone the opportunity to discover what's magical for THEM."

Both Jill Ashton, CAS director of development, and Sherie Peacock-Fluor from the budget office said wanted to 'pay it forward' to help new employees best navigate their new workplace environment.

And Fred Koro, director of graduate admissions, saw it as an opportunity to get more involved and be the best manager he could be. "I see it as a way to increase my skills in my managerial role. I came from a smaller private college. Here, in this much bigger space, I want to provide resources, build networking opportunities and help some new Seawolves come onboard."

Speaking directly to the new buddies at their December 11 graduation ceremony, Joessie Mathews, HRS culture and engagement coordinator as well as coordinator for the Buddy Program, reported she couldn't be happier with the success of the first cohort: "Even though you're all from different departments, you've found familiarity, camaraderie and commonality. You're interacting with such energy and initiative. You've stepped up to welcome new employees - and change someone's new employee experience from the moment they start here. You saw the vision and you set the bar HIGH." She was also highly confident of their abilities and skills they learned from seminars focusing on everything from mentoring to workforce planning and 'soft people skills'.

Assistant Chief Diversity Officer Usama Shaikh agreed, telling the buddies-to-be that "You are the epitome and exact definition of what belonging looks like here. You had the foresight and energy to step into this new role and you are truly role models and the North Star for our institution."

Another buddy graduate, Gabrielle Barone, director, Student Affairs, and assistant director of sororities and fraternities, shared that she is, in fact, looking to enhance that sense of belonging. "That's a big part of what we do for SBU students in Student Affairs. And now it's the perfect opportunity to help someone - in this case an employee - in their first steps here.

Elizabeth Brady, a 20-year SBU veteran and senior manager, workforce planning and initiatives, led a workshop and will serve as a buddy too. Echoing the sentiments of others, she said, "This group is amazing. They are so people-focused and so interested. They just 'get it' and they really want to make people feel comfortable. The friendly energy in that room was incredible. There were people ranging from the tennis coach to people in Student Affairs and Advancement and the whole group acted like they knew each other forever. Anyone who gets match up with any of these buddies is going to get a great experience!"

The first cohort of buddies will team up with employees in January. Their commitment will include connecting with their new employee buddy at least biweekly for three months; providing informal guidance on university culture, norms and available resources; encouraging questions, offering support and promoting inclusiveness; and, participating in brief check-ins or surveys to help assess and improve the program. The next cohort will begin their training on January 28, 2026. Watch for more news as we track all of their progress in future stories!

- Ellen Cooke