Stony Brook 2008 Alumni Directory

Many alumni have expressed an interest in rekindling old friendships or simply wonder about the lives of former Stony Brook classmates, teammates and roommates.

This year, the newest Stony Brook alumni directory will be released. It will be the most up-to-date compilation of Stony Brook graduates from the past 50 years.

Stony Brook University Alumni: Today is a four-color, yearbook style resource that organizes alumni information alphabetically, geographically, and by career field and features a pictorial timeline of the University and its students.

To help us with the logistically difficult task of collecting up-to-date alumni information and compiling the directory, we've engaged a leading publishing company called Harris Connect that will be sending a data update questionnaire to alumni to complete and return.

The following are common questions from alumni about the directory project:

Who is Harris Connect?

Harris Connect is the country's largest university publisher and a privately-held firm that's been in business for over 40 years.

Every year, they partner with hundreds of educational institutions (colleges, universities, public and private high schools) and membership organizations (fraternities, military associations, etc.) to assist them in updating their databases of alumni and members.

Harris Connect's service enables institutions, like Stony Brook, to more efficiently and effectively stay in touch with our constituents at no cost to us.

Why use an outside publisher?

Harris Connect has the ability to collect data in a way that would be cost-prohibitive for the University or the Alumni Association. Using mail, phone calls, e-mails and the Web, Harris can do a much better job of collecting data and the service is provided at no cost to the University or the Alumni Association.

In the past, due to limited resources, neither the University nor the Alumni Association could successfully engage alumni in the verification of their address and employer in a comprehensive manner.

How often does Stony Brook publish an alumni directory?

We usually publish an alumni directory every 5 years to help alumni stay in touch with each other and to update and maintain current alumni information.

Why does Harris provide their service at no cost?

Harris would like to sell enough directories to be profitable in this endeavor. (You are not obligated to purchase a directory.) Our primary interest is in collecting up-to-date contact and demographic information about our alumni.

Accurate alumni information will enable us to more effectively and efficiently communicate with our alumni, as well as develop new programs and opportunities for alumni to network among each other and with our current students.

How will my information be kept private?

Our contract with Harris Connect prohibits them from selling or sharing any of the information on our alumni. Once the alumni directory is published, all data collected by Harris Connect will be sent to Stony Brook. We will use the information collected to update our own alumni records, enabling us to more reliably communicate the news, information, and programs relevant to our alumni.

What will appear in the directory?

The directory will be organized alphabetically, as well as by class year (with class notes and photos), geographically, and by career field. The directory will also feature a "Through the Years" photographic timeline of Stony Brook's first 50 years.

When will the directory be complete?

Distribution is scheduled for late 2008.

What if I don't want to be listed in the directory? What if I don't want certain pieces of information listed?

Harris Connect can still update your information for us, but will honor your specific request to exclude all or parts of your biographical data from the publication.

If my name is listed in the directory, am I obligated to purchase a copy?

Although everyone will be given an opportunity to purchase their own copy of the directory, your name will be listed regardless of whether or not you decide to buy a copy. You should also know that ONLY Stony Brook University alumni will be allowed to purchase a directory. 

How much does the directory cost? Costs below do not include tax or shipping and handling charges.

$89.99 hard copy (option to pay in 2 installments)
$69.99 soft cover
$89.99 CD Rom
$89.99 CD Rom and soft cover book
$99.99 CD Rom and hard cover book

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding the accuracy of my listing in the directory?

You should contact Harris Connect directly since they are centralizing all revisions to our alumni records. Call 1-800-414-4051 to verify or change your listing.

Why did Harris Connect call me even though I returned my questionnaire to them?

We've asked Harris Connect to contact everyone, primarily to make sure that the data we have is current. Plus, we want to ensure that all spellings are correct so the directory is accurate and useful.

 What forms of payment will be accepted?

The directory can be paid for with major credit cards, debit cards or check. Payment(s) may be made by credit card at the time of the order or by check upon receipt of an invoice from Harris Connect.

Why does the directory cost so much?

Harris Connect is producing the directory free of charge to Stony Brook. A lot of research and production is involved, so the cost of the directory covers expenses incurred.

What if I decide to cancel the order I've placed or want a refund?

Order can be cancelled simply by writing the word "cancel" on the invoice and returning it to Harris Connect or by calling Harris Connect Customer Service at 1-800-877-6554. If, within 30 days of receiving your directory you no longer want to keep it, Harris Connect will refund your money. For returns, call Harris Connect at 1-800-877-6554.

What if I don't order a directory now, but want to order one later?

Harris Connect will print as many directories as ordered, so please call as soon before June to place your order. There will be a limited number of extra directories printed and available for purchase.

Please direct any questions concerning this project to Harris Connect at 1-800-877-6554 (10am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time) or customerservice@harrisconnect.com.