Farmingdale State College (FSC) is proud to announce that four students have received the 2023 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Students are selected for outstanding achievements that demonstrate the integration of SUNY excellence in areas such as academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, or the arts. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by SUNY.
“I am extremely proud of these students for the initiative they demonstrate in their academic and community pursuits,” said FSC President Dr. John S. Nader. “Thank you to those who have supported them in their success. Congratulations to all.”
Among only 200 students selected across the SUNY system, the FSC students who received the SUNY Chancellor Award for Student Excellence include:
Jake Iaccino (Melville) a Professional Communications major, will earn his degree in May. He has been on the President's List throughout his entire academic career and currently serves as President of the FSC Student Government Association. In that capacity, he also serves on the College Council. While serving as SGA president, Jake has supported initiatives to provide dental health services and beautify the campus, among others. As an active member of the FSC Pride Club he has worked to build an inclusive campus environment. Jake is engaged in electoral politics, having served as a volunteer for many political campaigns.
Christina Jones (Farmingdale) earned a BS in Computer Security Technology, summa cum laude, in Winter 2022, and is expected to graduate with a BS in Applied Mathematics with Honors in May 2023. Her research focused on numerical analysis under the supervision of Dr. Svetlana Tlupova and discrete fractional calculus under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Ahrendt and Dr. Areeba Ikram. Christina is an alumna of the NYC Discrete Math Research Experience for Undergraduates. She has served the college community as Lead Peer Tutor in the Tutoring Center, Tutor and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Mathematics, and Treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers.
Sidra Naru (Bay Shore) graduated magna cum laude as a Computer Programming and Information Systems major in Winter 2022. She is fluent in multiple languages. Sidra transferred from Suffolk County Community College, has earned multiple academic awards, and has a research publication to her credit. Sidra was one of four students to receive the Civic Innovation Scholarship from Campus Compact for her work in creating a needs assessment survey for East Asian and South Asian students. Sidra also served as co-president of the Supporting Women in Computing Club. She devotes a great deal of time advocating for both women and Asian-American students and is involved in a number of campus-based mental health initiatives.
Kiana Rodriguez (Seaford) a Winter 2022 graduate, is a member of Psi Chi, an international Psychology honor society. While at Farmingdale, she was on the President's List each semester. She also received the Eleanor Fapohunda Award for Excellence in Service and the Overall Academic Excellence Award from the Department of Psychology. Kiana served as president of the College’s Psychology Club and was instrumental in increasing the club’s membership and raising its level of engagement by bringing in guest speakers. She is currently a virtual tutor for children in Ukraine and helps her students learn English. Kiana was an outstanding student at Nassau Community College, graduating magna cum laude.
Students were honored at a ceremony in Albany on April 24, attended by Kevin Murphy, FSC's Executive Dean for Student Engagement.
