On Friday, January 30, 2026, Robert S. Prezant, PhD, president of Farmingdale State College (FSC) hosted the College’s annual legislative breakfast offering an inspiring look at FSC’s tremendous growth over the past year, its remarkable community impact, and its strategic priorities for 2026. 

The 2026 event saw record attendance with more than 100 business and community leaders from across the region gathered in the Campus Center Ballroom. Attendees included New York State Assemblyman Mike Durso, Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker, Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg, (FSC Class of 2002), Suffolk County Legislator Steven Flotteron, Town of Babylon Councilman Anthony Manetta, Town of Babylon Councilman DuWayne Gregory, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Congressman Andrew Garbarino, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, and Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. 

“What a wonderful reflection of the community to see so many of you here and the power of Long Island,” said President Prezant as he opened the morning program, which featured remarks from New York State Senator Monica Martinez, New York State Assemblymembers Steve Stern and Kwani O'Pharrow, as well as multiple FSC students. “To see so many good friends and colleagues, not just from government, but from industry, from education, from community services, from STEM education centers, from social service organizations, public organizations, trade councils, unions, research institutes, and more. Collectively, this does define Long Island strong.”  

“This is one of the events, and I know my colleagues agree, that I really look forward to every year,” said Stern. “It's an opportunity to say hello to good friends and get a feel--not just for the state of affairs and what we do, but for what's going on on Long Island. 

“We say all the time that Farmingdale is where ambition meets opportunity,” Stern added. “It's where we don't just develop theory, but this is literally where the action is. The front line is right here, at this campus. And as a Long Island economy, as a Long Island community, our regional future is very much intertwined with all of the important work that's going on here.”  

“Farmingdale has produced some of the greatest and brightest minds amongst our community,” said O’Pharrow. “And it's critical that we continue to prioritize our investments in these educational opportunities. Public higher education remains one of the most reliable pathways to economic stability, and as we move forward with the state budget, sustained investment in Farmingdale is critical, important, and essential to meeting workforce demands, promoting equity, and keeping Long Island competitive.” 

“At Farmingdale State College it is not just about a degree, it's about the skills and experiences that students here have on a day-to-day basis. This College is preparing our students not just for today, but for the future. They're preparing them to fuel the region.” said Martinez, who shared details from her recent campus visit to FSC’s Santmann School of Health Sciences.  

LIA Economic Impact Analysis 

During the event presentation, President Prezant announced a new 2020-2025 FSC economic impact analysis from the LIA Research Institute, which revealed that the multiplier effect of the College on the local economy was nearly $1 billion, with almost 10,000 jobs created. 

“And the good news for Long Island, more than 80% of our graduates stay here and work here—80%,” President Prezant said to applause from around the room.  

In addition, President Prezant highlighted recent national challenges to higher education and areas where FSC continues to lead, including new campus initiatives, academics and curriculum, infrastructure, civic engagement, enrollment, corporate and community partnerships, expanded student programs, extended education, and faculty and student research opportunities.  

“This is Farmingdale State College, and we are forward looking and we are going to work through these challenges,” he said. “There are other avenues to get the kind of support we need working together with our government partners, and with our corporate and community partners. There's not a challenge that we are not going to meet. We are going full throttle.” 

Student speakers  

This year’s event featured three FSC student speakers, who each shared how FSC is helping them realize their goals and aspirations. 

“Being the first generation in my family to attend college was difficult when no one around me was able to offer any help,” said Ivette Medina, '26, a student in the Dental Hygiene Program. “FSC and the Dental Hygiene Program have helped me realize that my goal of attending college and obtaining a degree is more than just taking classes. It’s about how much it gives back to the community. Part of the curriculum includes rotations at local hospitals and includes treating patients in our own Dental Hygiene Care Center. This opportunity is rewarding and makes me feel pride in the work that I do. I am excited to work as a registered dental hygienist and continue to pursue my education in this field.” 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to share with you how the ACE Program, (the State University of New York Advancing Completion through Engagement Program) along with countless other experiences at FSC, have supported my academic journey leading up to this point and continue to shape my goals beyond graduation,” said Chukwuzitere “Chuzzy” Nwaeme, ’26, an electrical engineering technology major who shared details about his campus involvement with the ACE Student Leadership Committee, the Offices of Student Activities and Residence Life, and student organizations. “These experiences helped me realize that Farmingdale is more than just a place to attend classes; it is a community that supports your growth. Participating in clubs, activities, and leadership roles has strengthened my communication, discipline, and leadership skills, and these are qualities I will continue to use and build upon wherever I go.” 

“When I first entered this field, one of the biggest challenges I faced was figuring out how to grow my skills in a rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape,” said Mohammad Ali, '26​, a computer security technology major. “It can be difficult to find the right space to practice, experiment, and build confidence. FSC helped me meet that challenge by giving me room and encouragement to take initiative and by connecting me with opportunities that pushed me academically and professionally. I am also grateful for the encouragement I received from individuals in the Computer Security Department. Their guidance played a meaningful role in my college experience. My goal is to create solutions that make an impact and to support the next generation entering this field.” 

View more photos from the 2026 Legislative Breakfast on our Flickr Gallery. 

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