Hudson County Community College’s Winter Graduation Ceremony Highlights Students’ Grit and Determination
December 19, 2024
HCCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Darryl Jones celebrates with student speaker and new graduate Ebony Batts at the College’s December Graduate Reception.
HCCC Celebrated Dedication and Achievement at its December Graduate Reception, Honoring Students’ Hard Work and Perseverance.
The celebratory event was held in the Scott Ring Room of HCCC’s Culinary Arts Center, where graduates and their families celebrated this significant milestone. The event was also live-streamed so that those not able to attend in person were able to watch their loved ones graduate.
Graduates heard from HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Darryl Jones, Assistant Dean of Student Life and Leadership Veronica Gerosimo, and Hudson Scholars Academic Counselor Josh Mariscal, who applauded them on the hard work it took to arrive at this milestone and on their success so far. Graduates were reminded that no matter how long it took them to complete their degrees or what challenges they overcame along the way, their degrees represent the culmination of years of dedication and are credentials that will stay with them forever.
Attendees also heard remarks from graduates Sheila Christine Soriano Perez, who earned an A.S. in Medical Sciences, and Ebony Batts, who earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts.
Perez juggled being a full-time nursing student with working full-time at a coffee shop to support herself during her studies at HCCC. She emigrated to the United States from the Philippines at the age of 13 and spoke of struggle, perseverance, and hope. She thanked her family for their love and support and thanked HCCC “for shaping me into a better student and a stronger person… I could not have done it without all the resources you provided. Hudson is indeed home!”
Batts, a Jersey City resident and mother of two, started college in 2010 but had to pause her educational journey to prioritize caring for her children as a single mother. She spoke about not letting the forces of the outside world defeat her and her drive to complete her education. When her daughter started college and her son started high school, they told her, “Mom, now it’s your turn, we can do this together,” inspiring her to return to school to finish her degree.
HCCC President Dr. Reber stated, “Both student speakers exemplified the perseverance and determination that define our students, overcoming challenges and balancing responsibilities to achieve their goals and graduate. We are very proud of them and all our December graduates.”
These December graduates won’t miss out on any of the pomp and circumstance of a traditional college graduation ceremony as they are also invited to attend HCCC’s May 2025 Commencement at Red Bull Arena, where the College expects another record graduation class following May 2024’s College record of 1,532 graduates.
HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber reminded graduates that, “While you are moving on to the next stops on your educational or career journeys, you will always be a part of the HCCC family.”