Women's History Month

Women's History Month

Join us as we spotlight three of the many bright, shining lights in the FSC community during our Women's History Month celebrations. 

Melina Pascual
Student
Melina Pascual

Professional Communications, BS
Business Management and English Literature Minor

Class of 2026
Student Government Association, Senator

How do you feel that you are contributing to the community?

"Being part of the Farmingdale Campus Community has allowed me to make positive changes on and off campus through various leadership roles. Working for the Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement, as a Nexpert intern and Ramp up the Vote Ambassador, I have been able to form fruitful connections among diverse individuals that have had an impact on me. These roles have allowed me to be part of initiatives that enact positive change on campus and within the community. 

I have worked to help combat food insecurity and raise awareness on campus by volunteering at the FSC Food Pantry and managing their social media account. 

Being part of the Student Government Association, as a Senator at Large, has given me the opportunity to advocate for the larger student body and be an integral part of executive decisions. In this role, I have had the opportunity to be a student representative on various committees. 

Being born and raised in the Huntington community, I am dedicated to give back to the community that has fostered my growth and independence. I am able to help individuals navigate their housing options and combat housing insecurity during my time at Huntington Community Development Agency."

Noreen DeSalvo
Alumni '78
Noreen DeSalvo
Registered Professional Nurse
Nursing 
How is FSC supporting diversity and inclusivity across campus?

"FSC’s demographics speak for themselves. We have continued to strive to foster a community of students from all backgrounds and abilities. There are comprehensive recruitment and retention foundations, scholarships and curriculum offerings to attract students from various cultural and economic situations. We are strategically placing ourselves as the sought after college of diversity and inclusivity."

Dr. Sarah Gross
Faculty
Sarah Gross, PhD
Dean of Santmann School of Health Sciences

PhD, Developmental and Molecular Biology (Virology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2004
MS, Developmental and Molecular Biology (Virology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2000
BA, Biology, Yeshiva University, 1998 – Summa cum Laude
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2017

Are there specific figures from women’s history who have had a significant impact on you?

"I am a scientist by training, and there have been generations of incredible women scientists and pioneers who have paved the way for me to be able to get to where I am, such as Rosalind Franklin and Barbara McClintock.

I also have to list Jane Austen as a major impact in my life – her uncanny insight into human nature combined with subtle humor span across the generations, and are made even more impressive by her life circumstances and historical era."

Last Modified 3/6/25