When Austin Hernandez first became interested in Farmingdale State College (FSC), it was for the College’s nationally recognized Aviation Department. Growing up the youngest of three in Copiague, New York, Hernandez enjoyed time with his close-knit family and a “lovely high school experience” studying aviation at Western Suffolk BOCES.
“My father was a business owner; he was a machinist,” said Hernandez, who often helped complete jobs at the family’s West Babylon shop. “That’s what I did for work…up until my sophomore year at FSC.”
That’s when Hernandez’s father suddenly became “deathly sick. He was in and out of hospitals for the better part of eight months,” said Hernandez, now in his senior year. “During that time, I was in the shop trying to fill his shoes, which was not an easy task being that he ran the place. We ended up closing down. Navigating all of this has definitely been my biggest challenge as a student.”
Today, Hernandez shares that his father is doing much better, and the unexpected adversity piloted him to a successful new path as a business management major with a minor in economics.
I attribute the majority of my growth to the opportunities I’ve had at FSC. – Austin Hernandez, ’26
“The weight of trying to support my family got me very interested in financial advising,” he said. “So, I made a pivot. I wanted to understand money, understand how to make money. Looking on the brighter side of it, my father is still with us, and the pressure helped me grow…and I attribute the majority of my growth to the opportunities I’ve had at FSC,” he added.
On campus, Hernandez is a School of Business Student Advisory Board member, where he loves helping others and acting as a voice for his fellow students
“Austin truly embodies the grit, gratitude, and grace of our student body,” said Internship Coordinator Lisa Lubrano, who helped Hernandez land a rewarding double internship with National Financial Network, where he built and strengthened client relationships.
“I would like to thank Lisa with every fiber of my being,” said Hernandez. “She really hit the gas, helping me touch up my resume, put out applications, and prepare for interviews.”
Hernandez was also honored to contribute to the Murray Pasternack ’60 Student-Managed Investment Fund, an academic course that operates as a boutique trading firm. On behalf of the Farmingdale College Foundation, participating students manage assets generously donated by Pasternack and an alumni advisory council of additional investors.
“It was a phenomenal experience,” Hernandez said. “I’ve learned so much. We invested into the market in real time, and it carried weight knowing that it was real money. And the fund is meant to be a succession plan—other students will be picking up where we left off. That definitely played a big role in our decision-making when it came to what funds, what stocks we wanted to invest in. We wanted to make sure that they were long-term and financially sound.”
“What sets Austin apart is not only his technical ability, but his maturity and commitment to excellence. He consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a genuine passion for finance,” said Associate Professor of Finance Meeghan Rogers, PhD. “He approached every investment decision with thoughtful analysis and a high level of preparation, and he contributed meaningfully to both team discussions and portfolio strategy. I have no doubt that he will be highly successful in his future career.”
The experience culminated in Hernandez leading a final presentation to the advisory council, Pasternack, and his wife, Judy. “I gave an overview of the portfolio, and I thanked Murray for trusting us with his money. I let him know what a bountiful experience it was,” he said. “And he stood up and shook my hand. He said that was some of the best news he’s received in a long time. For me, it was a breath of fresh air after all the hardships and personal challenges that have come my way. Having that reassurance was heartwarming. I’ll never forget it.”
As Hernandez prepares to graduate this spring, “I’ve never felt happier,” he said. “I feel optimistic about the future.”
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