Hudson County Community College Celebrates 50 Years with Alumni Networking Event
This Thursday, November 13th, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) will mark a monumental milestone—its 50th anniversary—with a special alumni networking event. The celebration, set to take place on the college’s Journal Square campus, promises an evening of reconnection, inspiration, and reflection for graduates, faculty, and community members. For half a century, HCCC has served as a cornerstone of accessible education in New Jersey, and this event aims to honor its legacy while paving the way for future opportunities.
A Night to Remember
The 50th Anniversary Alumni Networking Event isn’t just a party—it’s a tribute to the college’s enduring impact. Attendees can expect a mix of nostalgia and forward-thinking discussions. The evening will kick off with a welcome reception featuring displays of archival photos, yearbooks, and memorabilia dating back to the college’s founding in 1974. Alumni will have the chance to stroll through a timeline of HCCC’s history, from its humble beginnings in a repurposed office building to its current status as a nationally recognized institution serving over 20,000 students annually.
A keynote address by Dr. Maria Sanchez, HCCC’s longest-serving faculty member, will highlight the college’s evolution. “What started as a small community college with a handful of programs has grown into a dynamic hub for innovation,” says Dr. Sanchez, who has taught biology at HCCC since 1982. “Our alumni are proof that education transforms lives, and this event is about celebrating those transformations.”
Networking with Purpose
True to its name, the event prioritizes fostering connections. Structured networking sessions will align graduates by industry, offering tailored opportunities for collaboration. Whether in healthcare, business, technology, or the arts, alumni will find peers and mentors in their fields. Current students have also been invited to participate, bridging the gap between generations of HCCC learners.
One notable attendee is Carla Ramirez, a 2008 graduate who founded a nonprofit supporting first-generation college students. “HCCC gave me the confidence to pursue my goals,” Ramirez shares. “Networking with fellow alumni reminds me how much we’ve achieved—and how much more we can do together.”
Honoring Community Ties
HCCC’s commitment to its community will be a recurring theme. A panel discussion titled “Education as a Catalyst for Change” will feature local leaders, including Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. They’ll explore the college’s role in workforce development, particularly through programs like the Culinary Arts Institute and Nursing Department, which directly address regional needs.
The event will also spotlight recent initiatives, such as the HCCC Food Pantry and free tuition programs for qualifying students. “Our mission has always been to remove barriers to education,” says Dr. Reber. “Celebrating 50 years isn’t just about looking back—it’s about doubling down on our promise to make learning accessible for the next generation.”
Alumni Success Stories
Throughout the evening, short video testimonials will showcase alumni achievements. Among them is Michael Torres, a 1995 graduate who parlayed his HCCC associate degree into a career at a Fortune 500 tech firm. “I walked into HCCC unsure if I belonged in college at all,” Torres recalls. “The support I received here taught me to believe in myself. That’s the gift this college gives its students.”
Another highlight is the story of Lila Chen, a 2010 alumna whose art installation now hangs in the college’s new STEM building. “HCCC’s faculty encouraged me to think beyond the classroom,” Chen says. “They showed me that creativity and critical thinking go hand in hand.”
Looking Ahead
While the event honors the past, it’s equally focused on the future. A portion of the evening will be dedicated to brainstorming sessions, where alumni can share ideas for new programs or partnerships. Topics range from expanding hybrid learning options to creating scholarships for immigrants and refugees—a nod to Hudson County’s diverse population.
The college will also announce the launch of its “50 for 50” campaign, aiming to secure 50 alumni-funded scholarships by June 2025. “Education is a collective effort,” says Dr. Reber. “When our alumni invest in today’s students, they’re ensuring that HCCC’s legacy continues to grow.”
Join the Celebration
For those unable to attend in person, the college plans to livestream portions of the event, including the keynote address and panel discussion. Virtual attendees can participate in real-time Q&A sessions and connect with alumni via a dedicated online platform.
Whether in person or online, the 50th Anniversary Alumni Networking Event underscores a powerful truth: HCCC is more than a college—it’s a community. As Dr. Sanchez puts it, “We’re a family of learners, dreamers, and doers. Tonight, we celebrate not just where we’ve been, but where we’re going together.”
For details on registration and event schedules, visit the Hudson County Community College website or contact the Office of Alumni Relations. Here’s to 50 years of excellence—and to countless more stories waiting to unfold.
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