Family Establishes Scholarship to Honor Professor Bretsky’s Legacy
The legacy of the late Peter W. Bretsky Jr., a dedicated professor of paleontology and geological sciences at Stony Brook University, is being honored through the establishment of an endowed scholarship. This initiative aims to support undergraduate students pursuing studies in geosciences. Bretsky’s son, Philip Bretsky, along with his wife, Marian Henry, initiated the scholarship as a means of preserving their father’s commitment to lifelong learning.
Bretsky joined Stony Brook’s Department of Earth and Space Sciences in 1972, a period when the institution was still developing its academic framework. His enthusiasm for education was evident; he often attended lectures outside his field, such as history and Greek studies. “My dad was immensely curious academically,” Philip remarked, highlighting Bretsky’s passion for knowledge and teaching.
Scholarship Reflects Dedication to Education
The newly established Peter W. Bretsky, Jr. Scholarship in Geosciences serves as a tribute to Bretsky’s dedication to his department and its students. David Wrobel, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Stony Brook, expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to support our undergraduate students in exploring their intellectual curiosity, just as Professor Bretsky had, through research and scholarly work in geology.”
This scholarship aims to empower students to delve into the field of geosciences, encouraging them to pursue their academic interests in a manner reminiscent of Bretsky’s own journey. The fund will assist students in their educational endeavors, fostering a spirit of inquiry and research that Bretsky championed throughout his career.
In addition to the scholarship, Stony Brook University continues to engage with its community through various initiatives. Recently, over 50 physicians, residents, medical, and dental students participated in Doctors Back to School Day, visiting high schools in Suffolk County to inspire future generations in the medical field.
As part of ongoing developments within the university, Pamela Abshire has been appointed chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, effective September 1, 2025. Furthermore, Stony Brook women’s soccer sophomore Emanuelly Ferreria was selected for the U.S. Women’s Futsal National Team to compete in the Concacaf Women’s Futsal Championship.
Through these initiatives, Stony Brook University continually strives to honor its tradition of academic excellence and community engagement, ensuring that the legacy of figures like Peter W. Bretsky endures for future generations.
