Update from Farmingdale State College President John Nader, PhD

April, 2017

Earth Week April 16-19

April, 2018

New Programs - Thanks to Academic Affairs we have received new program approvals in Geographic Information Systems and Computer Security Technology from both SUNY and the State Education Department. This makes four new bachelor degree programs that have been approved in 2018.

Knapp Hall - The College has received confirmation from the State University Construction Fund that $2.5 million has been allocated for exterior work on Knapp Hall. This is in addition to the projects currently underway on the Great Mall and the women's softball field.

Space Task Force - A task force has been working to help address our significant space constraints. I expect a report following the conclusion of the semester. Accommodating our growth in faculty and students will undoubtedly require some changes. Gaining efficiencies is not always convenient. It is, however, a result of our institutional success and a condition of future success.

Women's History Month/Phenomenal Women - Professors LaNina Cooke of Criminal Justice and Orla Smyth-LoPiccolo of Architecture & Construction are faculty members who have been named a "Phenomenal Woman" by the Office of Student Activities and the Student Government Association. In addition, Dolores Coenen, a nurse in Health and Wellness, Risa Stein, associate director of STEP/CSTEP and Caroline DeMarco of Aramark were selected as "Phenomenal Women". Congratulations to these very deserving recipients.

Student Scholarship Support - Thanks to the College Foundation and Student Financial Services for improving the process of awarding scholarships to our students. We are now informing deserving students of their award shortly after their admission so that they can make a college attendance decision based on complete information. This will improve our ability to use scholarship money to better recruit and retain students who want to enroll here. As you may recall, I previously expressed great concern that too many students were not informed of scholarships until nearly three weeks into the semester.

Scholarship Receptions - The Foundation is also moving to recognize donors and scholarship recipients in a different and more personal way. Luncheon receptions will be held at my home for students and three major scholarship donors. This spring, students who receive the Tortora-Sillcox and D3 scholarships will meet personally with the donors who made substantial gifts. Next fall Santmann scholars will meet with Theresa Santmann, who has generously supported students here for many years.

Ward Hall Great Room - We have completely renovated the Great Room in Ward Hall and it looks great. I have asked that we limit the use of the room to special occasions. The room is now serving the campus in a new way. It will be the regular meeting place for Alumni and Foundation groups and related events. The space will not be available for regularly scheduled meetings. Other special events will be considered, including visiting lectures, guest speakers, special department meetings, guest receptions, small legislative events and press conferences. Approval for use of the room must be obtained from my office.

SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference - All three projects that our students submitted to the 2018 SURC have been accepted. This is great news. The titles of the projects and the names of the students and their mentors are:

Dynamic Optimization in Natural Resource Management
Tunisia Solomon, Department of Mathematics
Emily Giordano, Department of Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Worku Bitew

Constructing a Model of the Motions of the Pendulum
Lilibeth Torres, Department of Mathematics
Jonathan Rendom, Department of Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Irina Neymotin

An Analysis of Extreme Events in the Stock Market
Venkat Ganesh, Department of Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Douglas Johnston

Upcoming Events - It's nice to see so many interesting programs on the college's calendar for April. Here are some of the events planned. I am hoping to get to as many as possible and hope that you will do the same.

Women Who Make America: Makers: Women in Space Tuesday, April 3, 2018. 11:00am-12:00pm, 6:00-7:00pm in Roosevelt Hall Little Theatre. A Documentary Screening on Women in Space;
Dr. Eleanor Fapohunda Colloquium Series: Neoliberalism and the Future of Democracy Tuesday, April 3, 2018. 10:50am-12:05pm in Knapp Hall University Club. Presenter: Travis Holloway, MFA, PhD: Assistant Professor of Philosophy;
Mock Crime Scene Investigation - Thursday, April 5, 2018. 5:55pm-9:00pm in Sinclair Hall Pit. Be part of an interactive mock crime scene investigation;
Diversity Matters: The Importance of Diversity on Campuses and in the Healthcare Workforce: Friday, April 6, 2018. 8:15am-3:00pm in Campus Center Ballroom. Keynote Speakers: Dr. Launette Woolforde and Dr. Peggy Valentine;
Unpacking #MeToo, a speaker series for Sexual Assault Awareness Month on the #MeToo Movement. Thursday, April 12, 2018. 11:00am-12:00pm, Campus Center Meeting Room B, Presenter: Julie Goble, The Retreat;
Reclaim Your Turf: Designing Sustainable Landscapes: A benefit for the Sustainable Garden, Dept. of Urban Horticulture and Design. Saturday, April 14, 2018. 8:30am-2:30pm in the Horticulture Greenhouse;
One SUNY, One Love: Every Athlete on Campus will run a mile for Yeardley Love: In the name of Yeardley Love, SUNY has pledged to run around the world against Domestic Violence. All are welcome to participate. Tuesday, April 17, 2018. 12:00-2:00pm, Nold Athletic Complex Track;
A Discussion with Ryan Leaf: Tuesday, April 17, 2018. 1:45-2:45pm in Roosevelt Hall Little Theatre. Ex NFL player shares his struggles with mental health and opiate abuse and his story of recovery;
Earth Day Fair - Thursday, April 19 11:00am-1:00pm in the Campus Center Lobby and on the Patio. Learn how to be earth friendly through some easy habit modifications. Find out how FSC is reducing its waste;
Multicultural Gala Celebration - Thursday April 19, 2018. 4:00-7:00pm in Campus Center Ballroom. Celebration of diversity and the chance to learn about our community. There will be dancers and food from diverse cultures;
Fighting Islamophobia Bigotry and What Have You with Comedy: April 24, 2018. 11am-12pm in Roosevelt Hall Little Theater. The speaker is Negin Farsad who is a TED Senior Fellow and author of How to Make White People Laugh;

In the 2018-19 academic year there will be a monthly announcement of upcoming events. A call for events will be sent in August.

Best wishes for the holiday weekend.

John Nader
President

Last Modified 2/18/21