Spearheaded by the Farmingdale State College (FSC) Alumni Association, FSC is proud to unveil the Rambition Awards, a prestigious new accolade program that annually honors a select group of graduates who exemplify exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and meaningful change in their fields and community.

“Today, more than ever, it is absolutely necessary to shout from the rooftops the good news and achievements of our alumni,” said Michelle “Mimi” Johnson, executive director of alumni engagement and annual giving. “It is incredibly moving to share the positive impact a Farmingdale education can have far beyond Long Island, and even New York State, knowing countless lives are transformed because our alumni have great ambitions and they aren’t afraid to pursue their dreams after graduation.”

After learning about a similar program from an industry partner, Johnson presented the new initiative to the Farmingdale Alumni Association, “and the executive leadership loved it,” she said. Board President Chris Croken, '05, vice president of business development healthcare at FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, and First Vice President Jenna Natale, '16, executive director of Moxxie Mentoring Foundation, quickly took the lead and the team “brainstormed how to create our own, unique awards program that had a Farmingdale spin to it,’” Johnson added.

The completely virtual program was officially announced this winter with its first group of esteemed alumni award winners:

• Harris Ayaz, Class of 2019
  Senior Strategic Partner at Zebra Technologies
   
• Steve Distante, Class of 1986
  Founder and CEO of Vanderbilt Financial Group
  Author, Entrepreneur, Farmer, Documentary Filmmaker
   
• Chloe Hung, Class of 2006
  CEO at Autel Automotive Intelligence USA
   
• Tony Rosario, Class of 1990
  Executive Vice President at General Vision Services

“The common denominator is they have all come through the doors of FSC,” said Croken. “And they all have exceptional and diverse paths.”

“Farmingdale was a very special place at a turning point in my life that helped me clearly chart a path for my entrepreneurial journey,” shared Distante. “I am deeply grateful for the Rambition Award since Farmingdale was so foundational for me."

With the help of Ram-Bo and the alumni association’s “dream team,” each awardee received a personal prize patrol-style visit to their workplace, which included FSC spirit festivities and a filmed interview documenting “how FSC played a role in their success and what key takeaways they can share with others,” said Croken.

“Seeing our team coming together in concert to reward and recognize alumni for their amazing work has been so rewarding,” he added. “This has fostered the growth of relationships that are being dusted off and energized in a form that is helping support our current FSC students as they see, hear, and take notes that they can benefit from. And our Rambition winners are even more motivated to connect with their peers, volunteer, network, and beyond. This is an exciting time to be a part of the FSC community!”

The program’s virtual format also allows for enormous bandwidth with the program’s content available for engagement throughout the year.

“We are able to honor alumni living in any corner of the world, and the award can be shared virtually over a multitude of channels because it lives perpetually online,” said Johnson. “This longevity is a wonderful asset for our widespread campus community.

Rolling nominations are now open for the next round of award winners, and the alumni team looks forward to uncovering their unique and inspiring journeys to success.

“Big things are ahead,” said Johnson. “Our Rams are incredible, tenacious, and innovative, and their foundation all began right here at Farmingdale State College. We are excited to highlight new FSC alumni who are achieving greatness out in the world and thrilled to support their ambitions and cheer them on as they continue to shine.”

For more information, please visit the Rambition Awards webpage. 

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