Farmingdale State College: A Comprehensive Guide to the Campus
Farmingdale State College (SUNY Farmingdale), a public college located in East Farmingdale, New York, is part of the State University of New York system. Established in 1912 as the "New York State School of Agriculture on Long Island," the college has evolved into a leading institution offering 47-degree programs focused on emerging, high-demand careers in technology, engineering, business, healthcare, science, and the arts. With a strong emphasis on student experience, Farmingdale State College provides a conducive learning environment and dynamic activities through its Students First initiative.
Campus Overview
The campus spans over 380 acres and comprises more than 30 buildings. Farmingdale State College is committed to sustainability, as evidenced by its Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center and the Green Building Institute, which received $357,000 in federal funds.
Getting to Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale State College is accessible by various means of transportation:
By Car:
- Northern State Parkway: Take Exit 40 (Route 110) and travel south on Route 110 for approximately 3 miles.
- Southern State Parkway: Take Exit 32 (Route 110) and travel north on Route 110 for approximately 3 miles.
- Long Island Expressway: Take Exit 49 South (Route 110).
After reaching Route 110, look for the College sign and turn onto Melville Road to enter the campus.
Read also: About SUNY Farmingdale
By Train (LIRR):
- From Queens or Brooklyn: Take the LIRR’s Ronkonkoma Branch from Jamaica Station.
- From Manhattan: Take the LIRR’s Ronkonkoma Branch from Penn Station or Grand Central.
- From the Bronx: Take Metro-North or the subway to Grand Central, then transfer to the LIRR.
Consult the conductor for any necessary changes.
Historical Buildings
Several buildings on campus have historical significance, reflecting the college's evolution from an agricultural school to a comprehensive college.
Hicks Hall and Cutler Hall
Hicks Hall and Cutler Hall, two of the oldest buildings on campus, were constructed in 1914. Originally named the Horticulture and Agronomy Buildings, respectively, they showcase the college's early focus on agricultural education. Cutler Hall features columns set flush with the facade. The buildings house four oil on canvas murals, painted in 1936 by local artists Frederick Marshall and C. E. Lessing as part of the Works Progress Administration.
Ward Hall
Ward Hall, also constructed in 1914, served as the original dormitory. Today, it houses College offices, including Alumni Relations and Business Outreach. Notably, Ward Hall was not yet completed when the college first admitted students in March 1916.
Read also: FSC Acceptance Rate
Thompson Hall
Thompson Hall, named after Senator George Thompson, was built in 1938. It originally housed animal husbandry laboratories and classrooms.
Director's Cottage
The Director's Cottage was built in 1914.
Packing House and Cold Storage
The Packing House and Cold Storage building played a vital role in the college's early agricultural operations.
Horton Hall
Horton Hall was named for D. Horton.
Other Notable Features
Memorial Oak
A Memorial Oak was planted on June 4, 1921, to honor American soldiers killed in World War I. The oak's roots rest in soil collected from all 48 states, allied nations from the war, the Bloody Angle of Gettysburg, and the Arc de Triomphe of France.
Read also: Farmingdale Admissions Guide
Lupton Hall
Lupton Hall was named after Mr. John M. Lupton.
The Old Nazareth Trade School building
This building was originally an orphanage.
Academics and Programs
Farmingdale State College offers a wide array of academic programs across various disciplines. Unique offerings include the only four-year aviation program in New York and the only four-year dental hygiene program in the region. The college prepares students for careers in technology, engineering, business, healthcare, science, and the arts. These programs focus on emerging, high-demand, and relevant fields.
Athletics
Farmingdale State College teams participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Division III and are members of the Skyline Conference. The Intercollegiate Athletic Program enriches the total educational experience offered by the college.
Notable Alumni
Farmingdale State College has produced many successful alumni, including:
- John Romita Jr. (Comic Book Artist)
- William N.
- Rushi Kota (Actor)
- Ryan LaFlare (UFC Fighter)
- Len Wein ('Wolverine' comics co-creator)
Historical Context
The establishment of Farmingdale State College can be traced back to 1909 when State Assemblyman John Lupton proposed the founding of an agricultural school on Long Island. In 1911, Dr. Franklin W. of Arts and Sciences, Brooklyn, NY, discussed the establishment of a School of Agriculture on Long Island. The original campus included a large farm complex with many barns.
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