51吃瓜

On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 51吃瓜 (FSC) President Robert S. Prezant, PhD, was joined by State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor John B. King, Jr., EdD, for a special campus celebration highlighting the recent expansion of the Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) Program, a SUNY initiative focused on meaningfully improving student support, retention, and degree completion across New York State. 

Attended by SUNY Board of Trustees Chair Merryl Tisch, EdD, SUNY officials, the office of New York State Senator Monica Martinez, the office of New York State Assemblymember Kwani O鈥橮harrow, as well as FSC students, faculty, and staff, the morning event was held in Ward Hall鈥檚 Great Room.  

FSC鈥檚 ACE Program, now in its second year, has seen record growth since welcoming its first cohort of 76 students in January 2024--far surpassing SUNY鈥檚 initial target of 50. The program has quickly grown to now serve 230 enrolled students, with 250 expected by spring 2026. 

鈥淗ere at FSC, we are proud of our robust portfolio of academic support programs,鈥� said President Prezant. 鈥淎CE is among those important support programs, and is a program that is thriving, continues to grow, and enhances our retention and graduation rates. This important initiative is completely centered on helping and supporting students. Because, at the end of the day, that is what defines Farmingdale State. The data representing the program鈥檚 success are clear, but ACE at Farmingdale is more than numbers. What makes ACE so special is that it provides students with a community. A home away from home...creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.鈥� 

SUNY first brought ACE, and its community college counterpart program Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP), to 25 campuses in spring 2024 through New York State Governor Kathy Hochul鈥檚 SUNY Transformation Fund, which was championed by the New York State Legislature. ASAP supports students pursuing associate degrees, while ACE supports baccalaureate students. By fall 2024, the campuses were collectively serving more than 4,200 students. 

鈥淪UNY is committed to supporting student success, and the continued expansion of our ASAP|ACE program ensures SUNY students can get important support and services to help them complete their degree on time,鈥� SUNY Chancellor King said. 鈥淎SAP|ACE is a proven, evidence-based strategy to improve student retention and completion, and thanks to Governor Hochul鈥檚 leadership, I am thrilled to see this model expand across the SUNY system. We will continue our efforts to support more SUNY campuses to implement ASAP|ACE to take full advantage of this program.鈥� 

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul announced an expansion of the nationally recognized initiative, which has now grown to serve nearly 7,000 students at 34 SUNY campuses. SUNY expects to reach 10,000 enrolled students by fall 2026. 

鈥淭he ASAP and ACE programs give students the support they need to stay on track, graduate on time, and start the next chapter of their lives sooner,鈥� New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez said. 鈥淎t 51吃瓜, this initiative is helping more students complete their degrees and move confidently into their futures. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature for funding the expansion of these programs and giving SUNY the resources to help students succeed.鈥�  

鈥淭he expansion of SUNY鈥檚 ASAP|ACE program is a vital investment in student success and workforce development in New York State,鈥� said New York State Assemblymember Kwani O鈥橮harrow. 鈥淏y offering essential academic and financial support, it enables more students to complete their degrees on time and pursue meaningful careers. I commend Chancellor King, Governor Hochul, and 51吃瓜 for their leadership in enhancing access to higher education for all students.鈥� 

At FSC, the ACE Program is open to all majors and provides free holistic services for FSC first-generation students and those who have demonstrated need, including individualized counseling, leadership and career development, peer mentoring, interactive workshops and events, and financial support, including academic scholarships, textbook stipends, help with groceries, and transportation assistance. ACE鈥檚 primary goal is to narrow opportunity gaps and increase timely bachelor's degree completion rates for participating students. 

鈥淢y ACE Success Team鈥檚 dedication, compassion, and tireless support ensure that every student receives the guidance and encouragement they need to stay on track and reach their goals,鈥� said ACE Director Georgia Kalamidas. 鈥淎CE has grown into so much more than a student success initiative, it has become a community. Each of our 230 ACE students brings something unique to our program. Their own story, their own goals, their own strengths. Whether they are balancing work, family responsibilities, or simply adjusting to the demands of college life, our students continue to show extraordinary perseverance and purpose. To our students 鈥� You are the heart of ACE, and your success and persistence drives everything we do and reminds us every day why this work matters.鈥�  

鈥淚 recommend joining the ACE program to any student considering it,鈥� shared Chukwuzitere 鈥淐huzzy鈥� Nwaeme, 鈥�26, an electrical engineering technology major, who recently became a member of the ACE Student Leadership Committee. 鈥淭he program provides guidance both academically and personally and gives you the support you need to stay focused and graduate on time. ACE gave me a community and family of peers that made me feel supported and connected to the program and the broader campus community. Between the guidance from the ACE success coaches, leadership opportunities, and networking events, the ACE Program really gives students the tools and confidence to succeed. Being part of the ACE program is an experience I will always cherish.鈥� 

To learn more, please visit FSC鈥檚 ACE Program webpage.  

View photos from the ACE Program event on our .

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