Hudson County Community College Foundation Honors 50 Years of Impact at 28th Annual Gala
The Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Foundation marked a monumental milestone this year, blending its 28th Annual Gala with the college’s 50th anniversary celebration. Held at a vibrant venue in Jersey City, the event brought together alumni, donors, faculty, and community leaders to reflect on five decades of educational excellence while raising critical funds to support student success.
A Night of Nostalgia and Vision
The gala’s theme, “50 Years of Opportunity, 28 Years of Partnership,” underscored the symbiotic relationship between the college and its foundation. Since 1996, the HCCC Foundation has fueled scholarships, technology upgrades, and community programs, ensuring accessibility for generations of students. This year, however, the evening carried added weight as attendees celebrated not just the foundation’s legacy but also the college’s transformative journey since its founding in 1974.
Dr. Christopher Reber, HCCC President, opened the festivities by highlighting the college’s evolution. “What began as a modest storefront institution now serves over 18,000 students annually,” he noted. “Our growth mirrors the resilience of Hudson County itself—a community that values education as a catalyst for change.”
Celebrating Student Success Stories
True to its mission, the gala centered student voices. Keynote speaker Maria Gonzalez, a first-generation graduate and current nursing student, shared how Foundation scholarships allowed her to balance studies with caring for her younger siblings. “Without this support, I wouldn’t be standing here today—on track to become the first nurse in my family,” she said, eliciting a standing ovation.
The evening also honored local businesses and philanthropists, including the “Corporate Champion Award” recipient, Bayonne Medical Center, recognized for its decade-long internship partnerships with HCCC health science students.
Fundraising Fuels Future Growth
While the gala’s ambiance was celebratory, its core purpose remained urgent: addressing financial barriers to education. A live auction featuring donated vacations, sports memorabilia, and exclusive dining experiences sparked friendly bidding wars, while a paddle raise for emergency student grants met its $100,000 goal within minutes.
Foundation Executive Director, Laura Lopez, announced that preliminary totals surpassed $1.2 million—a record haul. “These funds will directly impact our ability to launch new programs, like the upcoming Advanced Manufacturing Lab, and expand childcare subsidies for student parents,” she explained.
Bridging Past and Future
A highlight of the night was the premiere of a documentary tracing HCCC’s history, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a nationally recognized community college. Archival footage showed early classes held in repurposed office spaces, contrasting with drone shots of today’s state-of-the-art campuses in Journal Square and Union City.
The film also teased upcoming projects, including a partnership with the Jersey City Public Schools to create dual-enrollment pathways for high schoolers. “We’re not just celebrating where we’ve been,” said Board of Trustees Chair Anita Rodriguez. “We’re investing in where we’re going next.”
Community Roots, Global Impact
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized HCCC’s role as a community anchor. Over 80% of graduates remain in Hudson County, filling critical roles in healthcare, education, and tech. Alumni like entrepreneur Luis Rivera, whose catering company provided the gala’s menu, illustrated how the college fuels local economic growth.
Yet the celebration also highlighted global connections. A surprise video message from NASA engineer and HCCC alum Dr. Priya Mehta, who credited her start to a Foundation-funded STEM scholarship, reminded attendees that Hudson County’s impact stretches far beyond state lines.
Looking Ahead
As the night closed with dancing to a live Latin jazz band, guests departed with commemorative 50th anniversary coins and a renewed sense of purpose. With tuition costs rising nationwide, events like this gala ensure HCCC remains a beacon of affordability and opportunity.
“Education unlocks potential,” summarized Foundation donor Michael Thompson, “but it takes a community to turn that key. Tonight, we saw what’s possible when we work together.”
For those inspired to contribute, the Foundation’s 2024 priorities include expanding mental health services, modernizing culinary arts facilities, and creating an endowed fund for undocumented students. As HCCC enters its next half-century, its foundation’s work—and the community’s support—will continue shaping futures, one student at a time.
To learn more about the Hudson County Community College Foundation or to make a gift, visit [www.hccc.edu/foundation](http://www.hccc.edu/foundation).
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