On Thursday, November 14, 2024, members of Farmingdale State College’s (FSC) campus community joined President Robert S. Prezant, PhD, for the 2024 President’s Gala, an elegant evening festivity for FSC alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends held at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. 

The annual event, which included dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and a fabulous variety of raffle prizes, received a record 300+ attendees and raised more than $200,000 for the Farmingdale College Foundation to support scholarships and critical resources for FSC’s students.  

“It is wonderful to have you all here with us this evening as we come together in celebration with a shared investment and dedication to our students’ success,” said Matthew Colson, FSC vice president for development and alumni engagement, who touted FSC’s recent enrollment boom and national rankings. “We know success doesn’t happen on its own. Our success cannot be achieved without you. Thank you all so much for your philanthropy, your support, your partnership, and your friendship. We are truly grateful.” 

The evening highlight, President Prezant announced he and his wife, Fran, have made a $50,000 gift to establish the Prezant Family Scholarship to support “FSC students who coincidentally have the added challenge of a disability,” he shared to applause. 

“The 2024 Farmingdale State College President’s Gala is my first as FSC President,” he said. “These past few months at Farmingdale have convinced both Fran and me that we need to follow the lead of so many of you in supporting our students, all of our students. I’m proud to share that we have established the Prezant Family Scholarship.” 

The Prezants hope their donation “will help alleviate some of the additional expenses and financial burdens that students face beyond their tuition as a result of their disability.” 

Honors and Awards 

Additionally, the 2024 President’s Gala acknowledged four honorees for their positive impacts on the College and its community: 

• The Ram’s Horn Award for Nonprofit Leadership: TheDream.US 
• The President’s Award for Alumni Leadership: Hon. Clyde Vanel, ’97 
• The President’s Award for Academic & Professional Leadership: Laura Joseph, EdD, ’84 
• The President’s Award for Student Leadership: Kelly Wylie, ’25 

“We are proud to recognize the excellence of folks of Farmingdale and dear and giving friends of the College – all of whom make a difference,” said President Prezant.  

“I must first express my deep heartfelt gratitude to you and this amazing scholarship as well as Mark and Leslie Sillcox. With the support of TheDream.US and the Sillcox Scholars Program, I have not only been afforded the opportunity to pursue my dream of a college education, but with their ongoing support I can now proudly say I am living the American dream as a permanent resident of the United States,” said Ana Valdez, ’27, an FSC bioscience major, as she welcomed Don Graham to the stage. Graham, former publisher of The Washington Post, is chairman of Graham Holdings Company and co-founder of TheDream.US, an FSC partner and the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant students. 

“You are so lucky to have Farmingdale State College in your community, it is a simply wonderful place and you are so right to support it as you do,” Graham said. “I am thrilled to be saying that to you tonight. 

“If you knew [the students in our program], you would want to help them too,” he added. “They are such good people. And what they want to do more than anything else is to give back.”  

New York State Assemblyman Clyde Vanel, who holds an associate of applied science degree in aerospace technology and a Bachelor of Science in aviation administration from FSC, “has transformed countless lives as a successful intellectual property attorney, entrepreneur and small business owner, and as an elected official and public servant,” said Mimi Johnson, FSC director of alumni engagement and stewardship. 

During his remarks, Vanel announced he has secured an additional $250,000 award to go towards the Clyde Vanel ’97 Flight Fee Scholarship Fund, which supports every student in FSC’s Professional Pilot Program.

“Let’s work hard to make sure that money is not a barrier for people to be able to chase their dreams,” said Vanel. “Let’s continue to support the students here. Let’s continue to support the programs. Let’s continue to support the next generation.  

“One of the greatest honors for me is to come back and give back to the institution that gave so much to me,” he added.  

Joseph, a graduate of FSC’s Dental Hygiene Program and a prominent member its faculty since 1991, “has been a consummate leader in academic affairs ensuring our college develops programs of exceptional quality and relevance while keeping a close eye on enrollment,” said President Prezant. “At the end of the day, her many accomplishments created new opportunities for our students, and her astute leadership has impacted thousands of Farmingdale students’ lives.” 

“I am so very thankful for the tremendous opportunity I was afforded as a first-generation college student,” said Joseph. “At Farmingdale, we are not just educators: we are mentors, supporters, and advocates for our students’ futures. Together we create an environment where innovation and growth thrive,” she added. 

“Kelly’s involvement reaches every corner of campus,” said Lukas Miedreich, FSC director of student activities, of Wylie, who holds numerous campus community positions, including vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA), and founder of the FSC Rambots Club and Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to people with intellectual and development disabilities. 

“Farmingdale is truly a special place—nowhere else could I have had the opportunities and experiences I’ve been fortunate enough to have here,” said Wylie, a mechanical engineering technology major. “I can confidently say that I’ve always felt supported, empowered, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally, thanks to the incredible community at Farmingdale.  

“I am excited to continue this journey of learning, service, and growth. I know I will always look back at my time at Farmingdale as a fundamental factor in my success,” she added. 

To enjoy a digital copy of the gala journal, please visit the 2024 President’s Gala journal webpage, or to learn more about the Farmingdale College Foundation please visit the Foundation webpage. 

View more photos from the 2024 President’s Gala on our Flickr Gallery. 

  

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