In an effort to bring an exciting new identity with its move to the Division I level, then-Stony Brook President Dr. John H. Marburger III and Dr. Richard Laskowski announced in 1994 that beginning in the 1994-1995 academic year, the University and its athletic teams would be referred to by their new nickname, Seawolves.
The Seawolves became the fourth nickname in the history of Stony Brook and was chosen by a 32-person committee comprised of students, alumni, faculty and administrators. Seawolves was selected from a list of over 200 possible names.
A Seawolf is a mythical sea creature and according to the legend of the Seawolf, anyone fortunate enough to view it was subject to good luck.
| Stony Brook Nicknames | |
| 1957-60 | Soundmen |
| 1960-66 | Warriors |
| 1966-94 | Patriots/Lady Patriots |
| 1994- | Seawolves |
