Hudson County Community College Foundation’s 28th Annual Gala Honors Legacy and Looks Ahead
On a crisp autumn evening, supporters of Hudson County Community College (HCCC) gathered under glittering chandeliers to celebrate a milestone that few institutions achieve: 50 years of transforming lives through education. The Hudson County Community College Foundation’s 28th Annual Gala, held at a historic venue in Jersey City, wasn’t just another fundraiser—it was a heartfelt tribute to five decades of community impact, academic excellence, and the collective effort that turned a local college into a regional powerhouse.
A Night of Reflection and Gratitude
The event opened with a video montage tracing HCCC’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1974 to its current status as a cornerstone of higher education in Hudson County. Archival footage showed the college’s first campus, early faculty members, and graduating classes from the 1970s, juxtaposed with modern scenes of state-of-the-art labs, bustling student centers, and diverse classrooms. Alumni testimonials highlighted personal stories—a single mother earning her nursing degree, a first-generation student launching a tech career, a veteran finding new purpose through education.
Dr. Christopher Reber, HCCC’s President, took the stage to acknowledge the foundation’s role in the college’s success. “Tonight isn’t just about looking back,” he said. “It’s about recognizing how far we’ve come and recommitting to the work still ahead. Every scholarship, every program expansion, and every student who walks across our graduation stage starts with the generosity of people in this room.”
Honoring Community Champions
A key tradition of the gala is the presentation of the Community Impact Awards, which spotlight individuals and organizations whose contributions align with HCCC’s mission. This year’s honorees included:
– Maria Sanchez, CEO of a local healthcare nonprofit, praised for creating internship pipelines for HCCC nursing students.
– TechBridge Hudson, a startup incubator recognized for partnering with the college to offer coding bootcamps for underserved youth.
– The O’Donnell Family, longtime donors whose endowed scholarship has supported over 200 low-income students since 1998.
Accepting her award, Sanchez echoed a recurring theme of the night: “Education isn’t just about degrees—it’s about building futures that uplift entire communities. HCCC understands that better than anyone.”
Fundraising with Purpose
While the gala’s ambiance was festive, its underlying goal was serious: raising funds to bridge gaps in access and innovation. Attendees bid on auction items ranging from vacation packages to mentorship sessions with industry leaders. A surprise $100,000 pledge from an anonymous donor during the live auction brought the room to its feet, pushing the evening’s total raised to over $850,000. These funds will support initiatives like:
– Expanding the Food Insecurity Program, which provides free meals and groceries to students facing hardship.
– Launching a Green Energy Certification to prepare workers for jobs in renewable energy.
– Upgrading STEM labs with cutting-edge equipment to keep pace with industry demands.
Fifty Years of Breaking Barriers
HCCC’s 50th anniversary isn’t just a numeric milestone—it’s a testament to adaptability. Founded during a time when community colleges were still a novel concept, HCCC carved its niche by focusing on career-ready programs tailored to local needs. Over the decades, it evolved alongside Hudson County itself, embracing demographic shifts and economic changes. In the 1980s, it introduced ESL classes for new immigrants. In the 2000s, it pioneered online learning. Today, it’s a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, with over 60% of students identifying as Latino.
Current student Jasmine Rivera, who spoke at the gala, embodied this legacy. A culinary arts major and daughter of Dominican immigrants, she shared how HCCC’s flexible class schedules allowed her to balance studies with caring for her younger siblings. “This college doesn’t just teach skills—it gives people like me the confidence to dream bigger,” she said.
The Road Ahead: Innovation and Inclusion
As the evening wound down, conversations shifted to the future. Foundation Chairperson Laura Bennett outlined bold goals for the next decade, including doubling scholarship funding and constructing a new campus hub for entrepreneurship. “Our students aren’t just learners; they’re tomorrow’s leaders, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers,” she said. “Investing in them is investing in the vitality of our entire region.”
Guests left with custom anniversary keepsakes—a small metal emblem engraved with HCCC’s motto, “Where Futures Begin.” More importantly, they carried the renewed understanding that community colleges aren’t merely stepping stones; they’re engines of equity and opportunity.
A Celebration That Transcends Time
The 28th Annual Gala did more than commemorate 50 years—it highlighted the enduring power of education to transform lives. From its early days serving a post-industrial community to its current role as a catalyst for social mobility, HCCC’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. As the foundation looks ahead to its next chapter, one message rang clear: the best is yet to come.
For those inspired to join this journey, the college’s doors—and its mission—remain open. After all, as the night proved, every contribution, big or small, helps write the next page in Hudson County’s educational legacy.
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