A Letter From President Nader

Since its inception, I have written an opening letter for each edition of FSCNow. This will be my last. As I close my time at Farmingdale, I write with very mixed feelings, but also with great pride in all that the College has accomplished.

Farmingdale State College has never been in a better position. Our enrollment is strong, our finances are sound, we are undertaking over a quarter of a billion dollars in new construction and renovation, and we have far surpassed all previous fundraising records. We continue to add full-time faculty, create programs in areas of strength, improve our buildings and grounds immeasurably, and fill our residence halls, all while engaging and supporting our students in ways previously unimagined. These are just a few of the areas which we began working on eight years ago.

When I arrived in 2016, I said that I would be the College’s storyteller-in-chief. A president is far more than that, but in telling those stories, our reputation has soared and our recognition has improved greatly.

When we launched FSCNow in 2018, I hoped for a magazine that would convey Farmingdale’s great stories in engaging ways to a broad audience across the FSC community. Every edition has exceeded my expectations.

This edition of FSCNow is no exception, and brings the FSC story to life with even more energy and color. It includes several articles featuring remarkable students as well as faculty, staff, and alumni of note. In addition, there are stories about our ongoing efforts to improve academic laboratories, our ever-expanding sustainability efforts, a unique scholarship program, and a 50th anniversary celebration of the Greenley Library.

Candidates for campus presidencies are often asked a simple question: “Will you come to love the college?” For Kathy and me that answer was a resounding “Yes!” Now, and forever. That is because of you, the campus community, and most importantly, because of our students. We have met hundreds of them over the past few years. FSC students are indeed decidedly different. Each day they renew our faith in higher education and our appreciation of Farmingdale’s mission.

I cannot close without acknowledging the countless friends of the College who have encouraged and supported us over these eight years. I do not have sufficient words to express my thanks. My cabinet colleagues and those who carry out the daily work of the president’s office have been unfailingly loyal, highly competent, and, most importantly, genuinely caring.

Because of all of you, the College will thrive for years to come.