SUNY Farmingdale

Written By Dino DiPietro

Origins & Establishment (1912–1916)

  • Chartered in 1912 as the New York State School of Agriculture on Long Island, thanks to the efforts of Assemblyman John Lupton

  • Construction began in 1914 with key buildings like Hicks Hall, Cutler Hall, Ward Hall, and the Director’s Cottage. These housed classrooms, labs, dormitories, and administrative offices

  • First students arrived in March 1916, about 60 in total; the official academic year commenced in Fall 1916

Evolving Names & Mission

The institution underwent several name changes reflecting its expanding scope:

  • 1912–1920: New York State School of Agriculture on Long Island

  • 1920–1924: State Institute of Applied Agriculture on Long Island

  • 1924–1939: State Institute of Applied Agriculture

  • 1939–1946: State Institute of Agriculture

  • 1946–1953: Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute

  • 1953–1966: SUNY Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute at Farmingdale

  • 1966–1987: Agricultural and Technical College at Farmingdale

  • 1987–1993: SUNY College of Technology at Farmingdale

  • 1993–2002: Farmingdale State College

  • 2002–Present: Officially retained the name Farmingdale State College post-2002 catalog printing

Milestones in Growth

  • 1919: First graduating class, comprising 15 students

  • 1921: Planted a Memorial Oak in soil from all 48 U.S. states and allied nations to honor World War I soldiers

  • 1938: Completion of Thompson Hall, the main administrative building

  • 1946: Expanded beyond agriculture to include industrial and technology programs

  • 1948: Became one of the founding members of the SUNY system as Long Island Agricultural & Technical Institute

  • 1987: Phased out agricultural majors to focus on technology and applied sciences

  • 2002: Transitioned to its current identity as Farmingdale State College, reflecting its comprehensive academic offerings

Campus & Legacy

  • Spanning 380 acres on the Nassau-Suffolk border, it is recognized as Long Island’s oldest public college

  • A historical marker on Melville Road commemorates its founding year, 1912

  • Early structures—such as Ward Hall, Hicks, Cutler, and Thompson Halls—remain integral campus landmarks, preserving its agricultural and educational roots

📈 From Farm to Future

Starting as an agricultural school, Farmingdale State College has transformed into a dynamic institution of applied sciences and technology, offering a wide range of degree programs, including engineering, business, health sciences, and humanities, while staying true to its founding ethos of practical, hands-on education

Dino DiPietro