STONY BROOK, N.Y. – The 1957 Club, a third-party non-profit organization, has launched to provide name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities to Stony Brook University student-athletes while helping promote charitable organizations located within the Stony Brook community.
"This is a new day for Stony Brook student-athletes and their ability to attain NIL opportunities. We are fortunate to have incredibly energetic and generous supporters who are critical partners in our success, and the 1957 Club represents another avenue for their generosity. I enthusiastically endorse the 1957 Club and appreciate their alignment with our department's vision to positively transform the life of each student-athlete," said Stony Brook Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron.
Although the 1957 Club is not formally integrated as a component of Stony Brook Athletics, the department is in regular communication with the 1957 Club's leadership to ensure alignment, compliance and transparency with the organization's work with Seawolves student-athletes in the NIL space.
The 1957 Club's Board is led by Rob Gitto, who serves as the President. Gitto is the Vice President of the Gitto Group and is a multi-sport season ticket holder at Stony Brook, as well as a Ramsey Leadership Society member.
"NIL has provided student-athletes more opportunities to benefit from their talent, which in turn will provide a better environment for athletic programs to grow and competitively compete. We are looking forward to strengthening the connection Stony Brook University student-athletes have with several charities located within our community.
"The 1957 Club will provide a valuable opportunity for student-athletes to benefit from their hard work and dedication, while also helping Stony Brook compete and thrive in an increasingly competitive college athletics landscape," said Gitto.
Joe Catapano '09, is the club's Vice President. Catapano is a lifelong supporter of Stony Brook Athletics and like Gitto, is a multi-sport season ticket holder. Men's lacrosse alumnus Sean Chamberlain '07, will serve as the club's Secretary/Treasurer, while women's lacrosse alumna Kylie Ohlmiller '18, is the Director.
The 1957 Club already has signed its first NIL deal with a Stony Brook student-athlete and has plans to pursue and sign other deals immediately.
Individuals interested in learning more about the 1957 Club can visit the1957club.org, email info@the1957club.org, or follow the organization on Instagram @the1957club.
Those interested in supporting the 1957 Club's mission can make donations by sending a check to The 1957 Club Inc., 414 Main Street – Suite 202, Port Jefferson, NY 11777.
