Hudson County Community College Holds Commencement Ceremony for Record 1,383 Graduates at NJPAC

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy delivered the keynote address; WomenRising was recognized with the College’s 2019 Heritage Award.

 

May 30, 2019, Jersey City, NJ – This evening, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) honored its Class of 2019 with a joyful Commencement celebration at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, NJ. The event marked the 42nd Commencement celebration in the College’s 45-year history.

Clad in green caps and gowns, the soon-to-be graduates processed into the NJPAC theater and were greeted with rousing applause from family, friends, elected officials, the College’s Board of Trustees, the HCCC Foundation Board of Directors, and the College’s administrators, faculty and staff.

Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise offered congratulations to the Class of 2019 and invited them to work with him and the College to make the future brighter for everyone in the County. Mr. DeGise then introduced New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who delivered the keynote address. Governor Murphy launched the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program in January. Thanks to that program, over 740 HCCC students received CCOG awards totaling nearly $800,000.

 

The College’s 2019 Heritage Award was presented to WomenRising. Sr. Roseann Mazzeo, S.C., the nonprofit organization's Executive Director, accepted the award. Hudson County Community College collaborates with WomenRising in the highly successful Community Partnerships in Hotel Employment program, which provides job training and placement in the hospitality industry.

Another highlight of the evening was Jersey City resident Deborah Acevedo’s valedictory speech. Ms. Acevedo graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade-point average. She will attend New Jersey City University with a full scholarship.

In addressing the graduates, HCCC President Dr. Chris Reber said: “Our society needs professionals like you, who possess skills for leadership and accomplishment; a dedication to service; caring for others; a genuine concern for the environment and for sustainable living; and an understanding of the importance of embracing collaboration and diversity, across and within communities.”

With 1,383 graduates, the Class of 2019 is the largest in Hudson County Community College’s history.