Hudson County Community College Celebrates 50 Years with Alumni Networking Event
On Thursday, November 13th, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) will mark a significant milestone—its 50th anniversary—with a special Alumni Networking Event. The celebration, set to take place on the college’s Journal Square campus, promises to bring together graduates from across the decades, faculty, and community leaders for an evening of connection, reflection, and forward-thinking collaboration.
Why This Event Matters
Since its founding in 1974, HCCC has been a cornerstone of educational opportunity in Hudson County. Over the past five decades, the college has transformed countless lives through accessible programs, workforce development initiatives, and partnerships with local industries. The 50th-anniversary event isn’t just a celebration of the institution’s history—it’s a testament to the enduring impact of its alumni network.
The networking event will highlight how HCCC graduates have shaped industries ranging from healthcare and technology to education and public service. Attendees will have the chance to reconnect with former classmates, meet current students, and engage with faculty who’ve played pivotal roles in their academic journeys.
What to Expect at the Celebration
The evening’s agenda blends nostalgia with professional development. Highlights include:
1. Keynote Panel: “From Classroom to Career”
Alumni speakers will share stories of how HCCC’s programs prepared them for success. Expect candid discussions about overcoming challenges, leveraging community college resources, and thriving in competitive fields.
2. Industry-Specific Networking Breakouts
Whether you’re in STEM, business, arts, or education, tailored sessions will allow alumni to swap insights and explore collaborations. Local employers will also join these discussions, offering a unique bridge between graduates and job opportunities.
3. Campus Tours & Interactive Exhibits
Visitors can explore HCCC’s modernized facilities, including its state-of-the-art STEM labs and culinary arts center. Interactive displays will showcase the college’s evolution, from its early days in rented classrooms to its current role as a regional education leader.
4. Scholarship Fundraiser Announcement
To commemorate the anniversary, HCCC will unveil a new scholarship fund aimed at supporting first-generation students. Alumni will be encouraged to contribute—a nod to the college’s ongoing commitment to affordability.
Alumni Spotlight: Stories of Resilience
Among the attendees is Maria Gonzalez, a 2005 nursing graduate who now oversees a team at a major Newark hospital. “HCCC gave me the flexibility to study while raising my kids,” she says. “The professors didn’t just teach—they mentored. That support changed my family’s trajectory.”
Then there’s Jamal Carter, a 2018 IT graduate who launched a cybersecurity startup last year. “The internships I landed through HCCC’s partnerships were game-changers,” he notes. “This event is a chance to pay that forward by guiding current students.”
How to Participate
Alumni interested in attending can register through the college’s website. For those unable to join in person, virtual sessions will stream live, including the keynote panel and campus tour. Social media users are encouraged to share memories using HCCC50Years.
Looking Ahead: HCCC’s Vision for the Future
While the event honors the past, HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber emphasizes its forward focus. “Our next 50 years will be about expanding access even further,” he says. “We’re investing in hybrid learning models, green technology programs, and partnerships that address workforce gaps.”
The college’s recent expansion—including a new public health degree and partnerships with Rutgers and NYU—reflects this ambition. The alumni network, Reber adds, will play a critical role in mentoring students and shaping these initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Hudson County Community College’s 50th-anniversary event is more than a party—it’s a reunion of a community built on resilience and shared purpose. For alumni, it’s a chance to reignite old friendships, inspire the next generation, and see firsthand how their alma mater continues to innovate.
If you’re an HCCC graduate, November 13th offers a perfect opportunity to reconnect. And if you’re not? This event underscores why community colleges remain vital engines of opportunity—proving that transformative education isn’t about ivy-covered walls, but about people willing to invest in one another’s potential.
For details on parking, schedules, and virtual access, visit www.hccc.edu/50years.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Hudson County Community College Celebrates 50 Years with Alumni Networking Event