DEI Welcome Message
A Welcoming Matter
September 16, 2022
Dear Farmingdale Student:
I labored over this welcome message to convey the true essence of diversity, equity,
and inclusive excellence at Farmingdale State College. How do I welcome and introduce
to new and returning students the important work of diversity? Do I start with defining
each of the words, the vision and mission of the office, or do I make it generic;
devoid of sincerity and affect? Do I not send one? Many choices!
I reflected on one of the prominent lessons the pandemic taught all of us. Amid isolation,
hopes, dreams, and fears cloaked in vulnerability, we were forced to examine what
matters during our finite journey through life. As a nation, we discovered that our
need for belonging matters – respect for, connection with, and inclusion of the shadowed
lives who are victims of the crisis. The challenge is not simply where do we begin,
but most importantly with whom?
As you start the academic year at FSC, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive
Excellence focuses on what matters most. In addition to preparing you to be a successful
career practitioner, your FSC education encourages you to navigate through an ocean
of “what matters,” a task more daunting than the crafting of this welcome. The last
two years have chosen you be the recipient of so much “unfinished learning” that needs
to be learned! This charge demands two attributes that we believe you will master
from your campus experiences: adaptability and agility, which also are two salient
characteristics part and parcel to successful diversity work.
Farmingdale State College is here to assist you. We have not all the answers, but
what we do have is a focus on what matters. YOU matter! We are a diverse community
who believes that your story matters, your hopes, and dreams matter. Even your fears
matter. All that you are matters! We are present to partner with you as you strive
to become all that you are capable of being.
RAMS, welcome to the fall semester where YOU matter. GO FORTH and change the world,
or at least brighten the space your personhood occupies. In closing, I extend a personal
invitation to visit the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence where
the door swings open to what matters – YOU and your story!
May you face the challenges of this year and all your tomorrows with an open mind
and embracing heart!
Please visit us anytime.
Respectfully yours,
Kevin Jordan, EdD
Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer
