The 2024 FSC Golf Classic: The Best by Par
Sold-out Event Raises Record-breaking $140,000 and Honors Outstanding Alumni
Hosted by the Farmingdale College Foundation and Department of Athletics, this year’s Farmingdale State College (FSC) Golf Classic was another swinging success. Held at Vineyards Golf Club in Riverhead, more than 140 golfers participated in the sold-out event, which raised over $140,000, a “hole” new record for the College.
Open to all members of the campus community and supporters of FSC, the FSC Golf Classic--now in its 40th year--annually supports The Farmingdale Fund, which provides funding for academic and extracurricular programs, student financial aid, faculty development and campus beautification.
“Thank you all for the countless ways you support Farmingdale State College, the Farmingdale College Foundation, our athletic programs and, most importantly, our students,” said FSC President John S. Nader, PhD to the evening program’s attendees. “For FSC and the Foundation, the Golf Classic has become a hugely successful event. Over the past year, we have been unrivaled among similar SUNY (State University of New York) colleges in raising money for programs, projects, and scholarships, and certainly, in raising our profile across the region and beyond.
“And today is special principally because of Vinny Naab, ’78, who envisioned this event and has been an alumnus extraordinaire,” President Nader added of the 2024 FSC Golf Classic’s title sponsor. “He has been an exceptional fundraiser and a model Foundation Board member who has been honored both as our 2003 Alumnus of the Year, and the recipient of our 2012 Alumni Association Centurion Award. Vinny is one of only 20 alums to have received this award. Most importantly, Vinny Naab is a friend to the College and to those of us who love FSC.”
Naab graduated with an associate of science in ornamental horticulture and was a star FSC athlete who lettered in both football and lacrosse. Naab was inducted into FSC’s Athletics Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on and off the field immediately following the evening program.
This year’s FSC Golf Classic honoree was the 1977 FSC Men’s Championship Lacrosse Team, who won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship for the first-ever national title in FSC’s history. The Rams defeated local rival Nassau Community College in the legendary championship game by a score of 11-8. The title was the first of three (1977, 1981, 1987) won by FSC’s men’s lacrosse team
“This is a unique event in that it is the first time we have recognized not just a single individual or entity, but a team—specifically the National Championship Men’s Lacrosse Team of 1977—a remarkable number of whom have returned today,” said President Nader.
Several members of the 1977 championship team were in attendance including Naab, Brooks Sweet, ’77, Michael Voucas, ’77, Steve Incarnato ’79, and Marty Whipple, ’77, along with former FSC Head Coach Fred Acee, who was at the helm for each of FSC’s three National Championship victories. Coach Acee, Sweet, and Voucas are members of FSC’s Athletics Hall of Fame. During the evening program, Naab and his 1977 teammates accepted the prestigious Ram’s Horn Award.
“It is truly rewarding to highlight incredible campus community members, like Vinny and his team, who embody our shared commitment to serving FSC, our region, and beyond,” said Matthew Colson, FSC vice president for development & alumni engagement. “We are thrilled to have the 1977 FSC Men’s Championship Lacrosse Team as this year’s Golf Classic honoree.”
The 2024 FSC Golf Classic received additional sponsorship from Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Republic Jet Center, H2M architects + engineers, Enzo Biochem, Inc., Dynamic Sports Management, Northwell Health, 110 Sand Company, The Schwarz Institute (TSI), Sherwin Williams, Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group, Charles Schwab, Designs for Vision, Inc., SourcePass, Inc., Future Stars Sports Camps, New Hyde Park Funeral Home, and Farrell Fritz.
“It was a wonderful day of events,” said Tom Azzara, director of athletics. “We are proud to honor these extraordinary individuals, recognize our business partners and past honorees, and celebrate their outstanding contributions to Farmingdale State College.”
For more information, please visit the Farmingdale College Foundation webpage the FSC Athletics Hall of Fame webpage, or visit the Farmingdale State Hall of Fame Members webpage for a list of past Hall of Fame inductees.
