Hudson County Community College Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence with Alumni Networking Event
Hudson County Community College (HCCC) is throwing a big party to mark its 50th anniversary, and everyone’s invited—especially alumni. On Thursday, November 13th, the college will host a special alumni networking event at its Journal Square campus, bringing together generations of graduates, faculty, and community leaders. This milestone celebration isn’t just about cake and confetti (though there will be plenty of those). It’s a chance to reflect on five decades of empowering students, fostering careers, and strengthening the local community.
A Legacy of Opportunity
Since opening its doors in 1974, HCCC has grown from a small community college into a cornerstone of Hudson County’s educational landscape. Known for its career-focused programs, affordable tuition, and diverse student body, the college has helped tens of thousands of students launch careers in nursing, business, culinary arts, STEM fields, and more. Many alumni have gone on to become leaders in their industries, from award-winning chefs to healthcare innovators and tech entrepreneurs.
The 50th anniversary event aims to honor this legacy while creating opportunities for current students and alumni to connect. “This isn’t just a reunion—it’s a bridge between the past, present, and future of HCCC,” says Dr. Christopher Reber, the college’s president. “Our alumni are living proof of what this institution stands for: access, excellence, and community.”
What to Expect on November 13th
The evening will kick off with a welcome reception in the college’s newly renovated student center, where guests can mingle over hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Attendees will then move to the auditorium for a keynote address by Maria Gonzalez, a 1998 HCCC graduate and founder of a nonprofit that supports first-generation college students. Gonzalez’s story—from working night shifts to pay for classes to becoming a nationally recognized advocate for education—embodies the resilience and ambition HCCC strives to instill in its students.
Following the speech, the college will recognize five “Trailblazer Alumni” who’ve made significant contributions to their fields. Honorees include a cybersecurity expert helping small businesses combat digital threats, a nurse who led COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Hudson County, and a culinary arts graduate now running a James Beard-nominated restaurant in Jersey City.
But the real highlight? The networking sessions. Organized by industry—healthcare, tech, education, hospitality, and creative arts—these breakout groups will let alumni share career advice, internship opportunities, and even job leads with current students. “It’s about paying it forward,” says Luis Rivera, a 2010 business administration grad who plans to attend. “HCCC gave me the tools to succeed. Now I want to help others do the same.”
Why Alumni Networks Matter
For community colleges like HCCC, alumni networks are more than just a feel-good tradition. They’re a lifeline for students navigating competitive job markets. According to a recent survey, over 60% of HCCC graduates landed their first job through a referral or internship connection made during their studies. Events like this amplify those opportunities.
Current student Sofia Martinez, a nursing major, hopes to meet alumni working in local hospitals. “I’ve heard stories about how supportive HCCC grads are,” she says. “Knowing someone who’s been in your shoes makes all the difference when you’re starting out.”
Beyond the Celebration: HCCC’s Vision for the Future
While the 50th anniversary is a time to look back, HCCC is also focused on what’s next. The college recently launched a free tuition program for eligible Hudson County residents and expanded its hybrid learning options. Later this year, it will break ground on a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing lab, funded in part by alumni donations.
The November 13th event will also sneak-peek these initiatives, inviting feedback from alumni on how to keep HCCC’s programs relevant and responsive to workforce needs. “Our alumni are our partners in shaping the future,” says Dr. Reber. “Their insights help us ensure that every student who walks through our doors leaves ready to thrive.”
How to Join the Celebration
Registration for the 50th Anniversary Alumni Networking Event is open now on HCCC’s website. Tickets are free for alumni and current students, though spaces are limited. Can’t attend in person? The college will livestream the keynote speech and awards ceremony on its YouTube channel.
Whether you graduated in 1975 or 2023, this event is a reminder that HCCC isn’t just a college—it’s a community. As Maria Gonzalez puts it, “Once a Hawk, always a Hawk. This is where dreams take flight.”
So mark your calendar for November 13th. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the connections, and leave inspired by what the next 50 years might hold.
For details and registration, visit www.hccc.edu/50years.
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