In the world of academia and career achievements, some individuals follow a direct
and clear path, and Chris Croken, a proud alumnus of Farmingdale State College, embodies
this idea. His journey is marked by determination, creativity, and a strong commitment
to his craft. In this exclusive interview, we explore the life of Chris Croken, who
recently became the President of the Alumni Association at Farmingdale State College.
As the newly appointed President of the Alumni Association, Chris Croken plays a vital
role in strengthening the connection between Farmingdale State College and its alumni
community. With a background in strategic alliances and healthcare, and as the Assistant
Vice President for Business Development Healthcare at Bethpage Federal Credit Union,
Chris is well-prepared to foster a robust network of alumni engagement. His role involves
creating opportunities for alumni to stay connected with their alma mater and facilitating
connections between alumni and current students. Chris's dedication to this role comes
from his deep affection for Farmingdale State College and the cherished memories he
has from his time there. He aims to enhance the alumni experience and strengthen the
bonds within the Farmingdale community.
Let's go back to Chris Croken's academic journey, which is an example of a straightforward
and focused route to success. He started by earning a Bachelor of Technology in Visual
Communications from Farmingdale State College in 2005, just the beginning of his remarkable
journey. In 2020, he achieved a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from
Trine University in Indiana, which paved the way for his current role as the Assistant
Vice President of Business Development Healthcare at Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
In his role as the Assistant Vice President, Chris manages various responsibilities.
These include overseeing Bethpage Healthcare Partnerships, organizing educational
events, managing ATMs, offering incentives, implementing community education initiatives,
and building support networks. His team maintains relationships with over 26 major
hospitals and more than 700 locations. Bethpage Federal Credit Union is the largest
credit union on Long Island and the Northeast region, and it ranks as the third-largest
credit union in the country. Its ability to conduct business nationwide and its official
partnership with Northwell Health underline the significant role that Chris plays
in the healthcare sector.
Chris's journey from college graduation to his current position has been a straightforward
and purposeful one. When asked about the keys to his success, Chris emphasizes his
strong work ethic, unwavering motivation, and ability to adapt to change. His determination
to succeed led him to dedicate 45-60 hours a week to his work. He managed a demanding
schedule of attending classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm, with
no days off. His dedication to creativity and collaboration has been instrumental
in his journey to success. After completing 15 credits at Farmingdale State College,
he worked in retail sales as a training manager at Best Buy before transitioning into
the finance field, where he found his way to Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Since
then, his career has been marked by determined progress.
Chris looks back fondly on his time at Farmingdale State College, emphasizing how
it equipped him with valuable skills that continue to guide him in his professional
journey. One significant lesson was corporate identity, which provided him with the
tools to effectively communicate a company's identity, think innovatively, and collaborate
with diverse teams. Chris values active thinking and creativity, qualities that have
enabled him to contribute to ideas and propel them forward.
One academic lesson from his time at Farmingdale State College still resonates with
Chris today. It was a final project in one of his classes that challenged students
to create an experience in a gallery setting, pushing creative boundaries. Chris chose
to use a lawnmower as a paintbrush and filled balloons with paint to create a unique
piece of art. This piece had a significant impact, and his professor's support for
his creative vision left a lasting impression. This lesson continues to guide Chris
in embracing creativity and thinking outside the box.
Throughout his academic and professional journey, Chris encountered challenges that
ultimately led to opportunities for growth. One transformative experience took place
during his first year in a two-dimensional design course with Professor Puff. Chris
received a C+ grade, a surprising result for a straight-A student; however, this grade
changed his perspective. By evaluating the critiques of designs from other students
and his professor, he learned to see things differently and think beyond the ordinary,
leading to a broader and more creative vision that he continues to apply in his career.
In hindsight, Chris remains resolute in his decision to pursue the same career path.
While the field of visual communications has evolved into graphic design and gained
popularity, Chris attributes his success to adaptability and hard work. His ability
to build relationships and explore opportunities that he hadn't initially considered
was pivotal to his journey. With three degrees and only $5,000 in student debt, thanks
to Farmingdale State College's cost-effective education, Chris stands as a testament
to the value of dedication and adaptability.
Chris is passionate about connecting alumni with current students to help them navigate
the complex journey to success. He advises current college students to think creatively,
step out of their comfort zones, and focus on building connections. He encourages
students to reach out to professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, not only when job
opportunities are available but also to establish meaningful connections. Chris believes
that there are numerous ways to create opportunities, and the key is to take the initiative
and reach out.
Chris also speaks about the vibrant atmosphere at Farmingdale State College, attributing
it to the rigorous portfolio review process. Prospective students were required to
submit 25 pieces of art for evaluation before being admitted to the Visual Communications
major, ensuring that those who entered had a high standard of artistic skill. The
college's reputation has grown, and it is now seen as more than the community college
of the past.
Chris Croken's remarkable journey exemplifies the power of creativity, resilience,
and unwavering dedication. His direct path to success and his ability to adapt to
challenges serve as inspiration for current and future college students. Chris's commitment
to fostering connections, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking is a testament to
the impact one individual can have on the world. As the President of the Alumni Association,
he continues to be a guiding light for the Farmingdale State College community, and
his hard work is deeply appreciated.
Alumni Spotlight: Navigating Success: The Inspiring Journey of Chris Croken
February 12, 2024
0 min read