Hudson County Community College Foundation’s 28th Annual Gala Honors Five Decades of Transformation
On a crisp autumn evening in Jersey City, the Hudson County Community College (HCCC) community gathered in grand style to celebrate a dual milestone: the 28th annual HCCC Foundation Gala and the college’s 50th anniversary. Held at a historic venue overlooking the Manhattan skyline, the event blended nostalgia, gratitude, and optimism for the future, showcasing how a local institution has become a cornerstone of educational opportunity and community growth.
A Night to Remember
The gala, a longstanding tradition organized by the HCCC Foundation, brought together alumni, faculty, donors, elected officials, and local business leaders. Attendees enjoyed live music, gourmet dining, and heartfelt speeches that highlighted the college’s evolution since its founding in 1974. The theme, “50 Years of Empowering Dreams,” resonated throughout the night, with decor featuring archival photos, timelines of key milestones, and student success stories displayed on digital screens.
Dr. Christopher Reber, HCCC’s President, kicked off the evening by reflecting on the college’s humble beginnings. “What started as a small storefront operation with just 500 students has grown into a nationally recognized institution serving over 18,000 learners annually,” he said. “Our mission has always been to break down barriers—financial, academic, and cultural—so that every person in Hudson County can access life-changing education.”
Celebrating Student Success
A highlight of the gala was the recognition of two scholarship recipients whose stories embodied the college’s impact. Maria Gonzalez, a first-generation nursing student, shared how an HCCC Foundation scholarship allowed her to balance studies with caring for her younger siblings. “This college didn’t just give me a degree—it gave my family hope,” she said, drawing a standing ovation.
Similarly, computer science major Jamal Carter described how HCCC’s partnerships with local tech firms led to internships and mentorship opportunities. “I’m the first in my family to attend college, and now I’m on track to earn a six-figure salary after graduation,” he said. “That’s the power of community investment.”
Fundraising for the Future
The gala also served as a critical fundraiser for the HCCC Foundation, which supports scholarships, campus improvements, and workforce development programs. This year’s event raised over $850,000—a record-breaking sum—with proceeds earmarked for two initiatives: expanding the college’s childcare assistance program for student parents and launching a new cybersecurity lab to meet growing industry demand.
Key donors, including corporate sponsors like PSEG and RWJBarnabas Health, emphasized their long-term commitment to HCCC. “Investing in this college isn’t charity; it’s smart business,” said PSEG’s CEO, Ralph LaRossa. “HCCC graduates fill essential roles in healthcare, engineering, and hospitality—industries that drive our regional economy.”
Honoring Community Champions
The evening included awards for individuals and organizations that have shaped HCCC’s legacy. The “Trailblazer Award” went to retired professor Dr. Eleanor Martinez, who developed the college’s first bilingual education program in the 1980s. Meanwhile, the “Corporate Leadership Award” was presented to Bayonne Medical Center for its decade-long partnership in training nursing students.
A surprise moment came when Mayor Steven Fulop announced a city grant to expand HCCC’s downtown campus. “Education is the heartbeat of Jersey City’s progress,” he said. “This expansion will create jobs, attract businesses, and ensure our residents have the skills to thrive in a competitive world.”
Looking Ahead: The Next 50 Years
As the event concluded, speakers turned their focus to the future. Dr. Reber outlined bold goals, including doubling enrollment by 2030, achieving carbon neutrality on campus, and bridging equity gaps in STEM fields. He also teased plans for a new “Innovation Hub,” where students will collaborate with entrepreneurs to solve real-world challenges.
Trustee Chairwoman Linda Quintero closed the evening with a call to action: “For 50 years, this college has turned obstacles into opportunities. Now, we’re asking our community to dream even bigger—because when HCCC succeeds, all of Hudson County rises.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Reinvention
Hudson County Community College’s journey from a modest vocational school to a nationally ranked institution is a testament to adaptability. Over the decades, it has weathered economic downturns, demographic shifts, and technological revolutions—all while staying true to its mission of accessibility.
The 28th Annual Gala wasn’t just a celebration of the past; it was a rallying cry for the future. As guests departed, many remarked on the palpable sense of momentum. Whether through scholarships that lift families out of poverty or cutting-edge programs that align with tomorrow’s job market, HCCC continues to prove that community colleges are engines of opportunity.
In the words of student speaker Maria Gonzalez: “This college isn’t just a place—it’s a promise. A promise that no matter where you start, you can build a brighter future.” As HCCC embarks on its next half-century, that promise feels more vital than ever.
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