Hudson County Community College Foundation’s 28th Annual Gala Honors Legacy and Looks Ahead
The Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Foundation recently hosted its 28th Annual Gala, an evening that sparkled with nostalgia, gratitude, and forward-looking optimism. This year’s event carried special significance as it doubled as a celebration of the college’s 50th anniversary. Held at a vibrant venue in Jersey City, the gala brought together alumni, faculty, donors, and community leaders to reflect on five decades of transformative education and to rally support for the next generation of students.
A Night of Nostalgia and Celebration
The gala’s theme, “50 Years of Empowering Communities,” set the tone for an evening that intertwined history with hope. Guests were greeted by a photo exhibit tracing the college’s evolution—from its humble beginnings in 1974 as a small technical institute to its current status as a cornerstone of higher education in Hudson County. Archival footage of early classrooms, student protests for expanded resources, and groundbreaking ceremonies for modern campuses played on screens, reminding attendees how far the institution has come.
Keynote speaker Dr. María Reyes, HCCC’s longest-serving president (1998–2012), delivered a heartfelt address. “This college was built on the belief that education should be accessible to everyone—regardless of background or income,” she said. “Every student who walks through these doors carries the potential to change their family’s trajectory, and by extension, our entire community.” Her words resonated deeply, particularly among alumni who credit HCCC with launching their careers in nursing, culinary arts, STEM, and beyond.
Honoring Those Who Make It Possible
A central focus of the evening was recognizing the individuals and organizations fueling HCCC’s mission. The Foundation presented its annual “Community Impact Award” to the Wilf Family Foundation, whose decade-long partnership has funded over 200 scholarships for first-generation students. Accepting the honor, Linda Wilf shared, “Investing in HCCC isn’t charity; it’s a strategic investment in our region’s talent pipeline. These students are tomorrow’s nurses, engineers, and entrepreneurs.”
Meanwhile, culinary arts student Sofia Ramirez moved the room to tears as she described how a Foundation-funded emergency grant allowed her to stay enrolled after her family’s home was damaged by fire. “This college didn’t just teach me how to cook—it taught me resilience,” she said, holding up her chef’s hat embroidered with the HCCC logo.
By the Numbers: A Half-Century of Growth
The gala also served as a platform to highlight HCCC’s quantifiable impact over 50 years:
– 50,000+ graduates have earned degrees or certificates, many entering high-demand local industries.
– 87% of students receive financial aid, with the Foundation distributing $1.2 million annually in scholarships.
– The college’s dual-enrollment program now partners with every public high school in Hudson County, giving teens a head start on college credits.
Current HCCC President, Dr. Christopher Reber, emphasized how these milestones align with evolving community needs. “When we opened in 1974, we trained machinists and secretaries. Today, we’re preparing cybersecurity experts and sustainable agriculture specialists,” he noted. “Our agility is what keeps us relevant.”
The Future Starts Now
While the evening honored the past, conversations buzzed with excitement about what’s next. A surprise announcement revealed plans for the “HCCC Futures Fund,” a $5 million initiative to expand mental health services, upgrade robotics labs, and create paid internships for low-income students. Early commitments from corporate sponsors already cover 40% of the goal.
The Foundation’s Executive Director, Amy Ellis, tied it all together. “For 50 years, this college has turned obstacles into opportunities. Now, we’re ensuring that our students are ready to tackle challenges we can’t even imagine yet—climate shifts, AI-driven industries, global health crises. That’s the power of community-driven education.”
A Celebration That Gives Back
True to tradition, the gala blended purpose with festivity. Attendees bid on vacation packages and local art in a silent auction, while culinary students showcased their skills with a dessert bar featuring “Golden Anniversary” cupcakes. The night closed with a lively performance by a jazz ensemble composed of HCCC music majors—a fitting reminder that the college nurtures both technical and creative talents.
As the last guests departed, the message was clear: Hudson County Community College isn’t just celebrating its history; it’s building a foundation for the next 50 years. Through scholarships, innovative programs, and unwavering community support, the institution remains a beacon of hope and upward mobility. And if this year’s gala is any indication, its best chapters are yet to be written.
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