Farmingdale State College (FSC) has announced it has been awarded a $25,000 gift from the Ferro Foundation, which will support FSC students as well as increased recruitment and retention efforts for the College, beginning in Fall 2023.
The scholarship was established with funding secured by the Ferro Foundation through the Clark Gillies Foundation, in honor and memory of the many contributions National Hockey League (NHL) legend Clark Gillies made to Long Island, both on and off the ice.
“We are enormously grateful to receive this wonderful, student-focused gift,” said John S. Nader, PhD, President of Farmingdale State College. "It is a genuine reflection of the selfless spirit shared by two exceptional Long Islanders: Sal Ferro, an exemplary alum and remarkable citizen, and Clark Gillies, a charismatic force of greatness in the NHL, in our community and among his family and friends.”
Founded by FSC Alumnus Sal Ferro '84, former Alure Home Improvements' President and CEO and now Town of Huntington Councilman, the Ferro Foundation is a non-profit corporation established in 2017 to help Long Islanders in need, with a focus on students, seniors, and veterans. Its mission is to make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of deserving Long Islanders in need, while inspiring others to do the same.
Known as “The Power Forward,” Clark Gillies was a Hockey Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup champion with the New York Islanders. In early 2022, he passed away suddenly at age 67. He is remembered by many as a friend to everyone, a tower of strength on the ice, and a pillar of the Long Island community.
Gillies was committed to the region both during his playing career and after. He began The Clark Gillies Foundation, a non-profit organization developed to help children who are physically, developmentally, or financially challenged. Its goal is to improve their quality of life; and 100 percent of its proceeds go directly to people in need.
"Over the years, Clark has helped so many. He has been a role model and inspiration for me. He taught me so much about the giving spirit and social responsibility,” said Ferro, who is also a member of the Farmingdale College Foundation Board of Directors. “It means so much to me to set up a scholarship in Clark's name for Farmingdale State College.”
Looking ahead, the Ferro Foundation plans to grow the Clark Gillies Scholarship into a $50,000 endowment in the coming years. This is the second endowed scholarship and third gift funded by the Ferro Foundation with the Farmingdale College Foundation. In May 2021, the Ferro Foundation made a $50,000 contribution to create The Ferro Family Scholarship supporting Farmingdale Business students. In 2019, Ferro established a fund to help FSC students purchase textbooks.
To show your support for FSC and the Clark Gillies Foundation, like Sal and the Ferro Foundation, visit the Farmingdale Fund giving page. Gifts to the Farmingdale Fund are immediately put to work to sustain the critical needs of FSC students.
About Farmingdale State College
Dedicated to student success, Farmingdale State College is a recognized leader in applied learning. With nearly 10,000 students, Farmingdale delivers exceptional student outcomes and opportunities through teaching, scholarship and applied research for Long Island, New York, and beyond. As one of the largest institutions in the State University of New York system, FSC’s commitment to student-centered learning and inclusiveness is unparalleled, preparing graduates to be exemplary citizens equipped to excel in a competitive, diverse, and technically dynamic society. Farmingdale was the first institution of public higher education on Long Island and has long been a cornerstone of the region’s economy with 96% of graduates working in New York State and 75% working on Long Island. Farmingdale prepares emerging leaders in the growing technology, engineering, business, and health care fields.
The College is home to the Broad Hollow Bioscience Park, which supports the development of biotech start-up companies and partners with surrounding businesses and research institutions along the growing Route 110 Business Corridor. FSC proudly hosts one of New York State’s leading Small Business Development Centers which provides professional business advisement, education, network resources, and advocates for small business and entrepreneurs.