April 24, 2023
To the Campus Community:
This year, four FSC students are recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Student
Excellence.
Jake Iaccino, a Professional Communications major, will earn his degree in May. He has been on
the President's List throughout his entire academic career and currently serves as
President of the FSC Student Government Association. In that capacity, he also serves
on the College Council. While serving as SGA president, Jake has supported initiatives
to provide dental health services and beautify the campus, among others. As an active
member of the FSC Pride Club he has worked to build an inclusive campus environment.
Jake is engaged in electoral politics, having served as a volunteer for many political
campaigns.
Christina Jones earned a BS in Computer Security Technology, summa cum laude, in Winter 2022, and
is expected to graduate with a BS in Applied Mathematics with Honors in May 2023.
Her research focused on numerical analysis under the supervision of Dr. Svetlana Tlupova
and discrete fractional calculus under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Ahrendt and Dr.
Areeba Ikram. Christina is an alumna of the NYC Discrete Math Research Experience
for Undergraduates. She has served the college community as Lead Peer Tutor in the
Tutoring Center, Tutor and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Mathematics, and
Treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers.
Sidra Naru graduated magna cum laude as a Computer Programming and Information Systems major
in Winter 2022. She is fluent in multiple languages. Sidra transferred from Suffolk
County Community College, has earned multiple academic awards, and has a research
publication to her credit. Sidra was one of four students to receive the Civic Innovation
Scholarship from Campus Compact for her work in creating a needs assessment survey
for East Asian and South Asian students. Sidra also served as co-president of the
Supporting Women in Computing Club. She devotes a great deal of time advocating for
both women and Asian-American students and is involved in a number of campus based
mental health initiatives.
Kiana Rodriguez, a Winter 2022 graduate, is a member of Psi Chi, an international Psychology honor
society. While at Farmingdale, she was on the President's List each semester. She
also received the Eleanor Fapohunda Award for Excellence in Service and the Overall
Academic Excellence Award from the Department of Psychology. Kiana served as president
of the College’s Psychology Club and was instrumental in increasing the club’s membership
and raising its level of engagement by bringing in guest speakers. She is currently
a virtual tutor for children in Ukraine and helps her students learn English. Kiana
was an outstanding student at Nassau Community College, graduating magna cum laude.
Our Chancellor’s Award winners will be honored today at a ceremony in the Albany Capital
Center, Albany, NY. Executive Dean Kevin Murphy will be in attendance.
I am extremely proud of these students for the initiative they demonstrate in their
academic and community pursuits. Thank you to those who have supported them in their
success. Congratulations to all.
John Nader
President
