When it comes to top talent, Farmingdale State College (FSC) “grows” its own.  

It was a 2017 professional conference in Syracuse, New York that planted the seed for FSC’s Grow Our Own employment initiative. Attended by Marybeth McCloskey, FSC assistant vice president of human resources, the event reframed position expectations without “false barriers,” or characteristics that typically impede a person’s ability to get a job, such as lack of experience or gaps in employment.  

“It was like a light bulb went on in my head,” McCloskey said. “I thought, ‘You know, we need to do this. We need to start implementing more practices like this.’ Looking towards the future, we want to remove false barriers that prevent us from getting the broadest and most talented pool of candidates. And ultimately, that leads to an increase in diversity of our hiring pools as well. We want to have a campus team that reflects our community while always hiring the best candidate for the job.”  

The Grow Our Own hiring plan, which began in early 2018, considers entry-level positions without unnecessary minimum qualifications. This allows FSC to recruit more recent college graduates, with opportunities for the finest around-FSC alumni.  

Since the initiative began, FSC’s professional team has more than doubled in FSC alumni, growing from 43 out of 268 full-time professionals in fall 2018, to 98 out of 375 full-time professionals in fall 2024.  

“We get the best people,” said McCloskey. “Our alumni team members shine with enthusiasm. The Farmingdale State College education and experience produces really excellent, mature, grounded students.” 

“I truly valued the quality of education I received here at FSC,” said Caitlyn Urban, ’22, FSC coordinator of programming and organizations for the Office of Student Activities. “The professors here really care about their students and work to create an environment that was both supportive and engaging.” 

“As a student, I felt confident that I was receiving a quality education,” said Bill Steedle, ’81, FSC assistant dean for the School of Business and associate professor of visual communications. “Now, as an employee, the feedback I’ve received from both students and industry contacts has only reinforced that belief.” 

“FSC graduates know our campus and have a wonderful network and internal references from academic departments, coaches, and professors,” added McCloskey. “They have excellent experience from extensive coursework, applied learning, internships, and employment. And you do find that they truly love FSC and want to be engaged on campus as well. You'll find them a lot at FSC’s athletics games, homecoming, or the annual Marcum Workplace Challenge run-walk.” 

At Farmingdale Fest, FSC’s recent 2024 homecoming celebration, the Office of Alumni Engagement also held a special reception for more than three dozen FSC alumni employees on the Alumni Smart Energy House patio. The evening soiree served to recognize the tremendous and ongoing success of the Grow Our Own program. 

“The presence of so many alumni as employees on campus demonstrates that Farmingdale State College is more than just an institution; it’s a family--the Ram Family,” said Admissions Advisor Bryan Etienne, ‘19. “Many alumni choose to work here because we love this community and want to continue our journey on campus, embodying the belief that family stays together.” 

Best of Both Worlds  

For many of FSC’s alumni faculty and staff, it is additionally fulfilling to share their earned knowledge and skills with their alma mater. 

Bradley Caravana, ‘21, a computer programming and information systems graduate, provides valuable insight as FSC’s Manager of Web Development and Operations. “Having been a student at FSC gives me an advantage, because I know what a student needs in a website,” he said. “I always do my best to make certain that web pages and information are more accessible to students in every way that I can, since I know that's what I would have wanted as a student.” 

“Over the years, I’ve worn many hats at Farmingdale, each offering unique opportunities and experiences,” said Steedle, an advertising art and design graduate. “It’s been rewarding to give back to the College in a variety of meaningful ways. A positive experience as a student naturally inspires many of us to pursue a career in education here at Farmingdale,” he added. 

“It was working for the Office of Student Activities [as an undergraduate student] that I realized my passion for planning student events,” said Urban, a business management graduate. “I want to continue to help students find their place on campus and provide them with the same mentorship that I received during my time here. I’m excited to continue working on making each OSA event better than the last.” 

FSC Associate Director of Digital Content Tevin Foster, ’19, agrees. “It’s the best of both worlds,” he said. “It feels good to give back what I’ve crafted and learned here. I’m happy that I can use my talent to help bring more students in and hopefully that can shape their path and give them a similar positive experience.”   

“Looking back, it feels like a full-circle moment to now be working in the very office I once visited, unsure of my next steps,” said Etienne. “Recently, we enrolled more than 10,000 students at Farmingdale State College, a significant achievement that brings me immense joy,” he added. “I am eager to contribute to this progress and witness the College’s potential unfold. I look forward to seeing all the growth that lies ahead!” 

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