Farmingdale State College (FSC) was proud to recently recognize two exceptional members of its campus community for their inspiring leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the 2025 President's DEI Award Ceremony.

Held in the Campus Center Ballroom, the afternoon event recognized FSC Associate Director of Digital Content Tevin Foster, ’19, and FSC Student Government Association President Michelle Torres-Ventura, ’26, a bioscience major, for their unwavering commitment to making FSC even more inclusive by creating an environment where all individuals are respected and valued.

“Today we come to celebrate something that lies at the very heart of who we are as a community--our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Ronald C. Jackson, EdD. “At Farmingdale our dedication to fostering a broadly inclusive campus is more than an aspiration, it is a point of pride. It is reflected in the way we teach, the way we learn, and the way we support and uplift one another.”

The ceremony, held during the fall semester, requires that successful award candidates demonstrate a sustained commitment to cultural change on campus towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, promote policies and practices that invite and reinforce inclusiveness, have lead or developed programming and other inclusive engagement efforts that promote a diversity of cultures, thoughts, and perspectives, and work collaboratively with the campus to achieve equality and provide a critical voice of reflection for the community.  

“Tevin is not only a master of his craft but a storyteller with heart,” said Alicia L. Cesar, EdD, director of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). “With every project that he touches he brings to life the diverse voices and vibrant experiences that make FSC such a unique and dynamic place. Through his work, he continues to challenge perspectives and spark meaningful dialogue both on campus and beyond,” Cesar added offering details about Foster’s additional work as a student mentor and award-winning photo journalist and filmmaker. 

“I’m truly honored to receive the DEI Award. This means a lot to me,” said Foster, who shared his personal experience as an FSC student, who helped pave the way in DEI. “It was such a breath of fresh air that I came back [to FSC]. And now I’m on the opposite side as professional staff to see how diverse the people that work here are. And not just the faculty and staff, there is a wide group of diverse students across campus. And it’s nice to look in those classrooms and see students that look like me and know that they are going to keep going. That’s something amazing and that’s why this is important. That’s why this is special. Because Farmingdale is not only talking about diversity and inclusion, but we’re living it. At Farmingdale, we’re standing together to celebrate each other’s differences.”

A first-generation Latina student in the Bioscience Program, Torres-Ventura is actively involved on campus as president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), as a peer mentor for EOP, and as a resident assistant (RA) in the Office of Residence Life. Outside of FSC, she has volunteered with NYU Langone Health as a Spanish medical interpreter. 

“A trailblazer in STEM--science, technology, engineering, and math, Michelle’s voice resonates with authenticity, courage, and purpose,” said Cesar. “She has shown us all the transformative power of representation and the importance of lifting others as we climb.” 

“When I came to Farmingdale, I felt very connected to everyone,” said Torres-Ventura. “In my high school, there weren’t a lot of people like me. As an RA, I have tried to incorporate more programming to teach other students about DEI. And as SGA president I have made that a mission for this year to recognize more students just so they feel even more connected.” 

“We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Tevin and Michelle, both Farmingdale change agents,” said Jackson. “Their outstanding work and dedication inspire us to keep striving towards the College we envision, one where opportunity, respect, and understanding will always belong to all.” 

To view photos of the 2025 President's DEI Award Ceremony, please visit our Flickr Gallery.

For more information, please visit the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusive Excellence webpage. 

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