Agreement will enable HCCC Associate’s degree grads to continue studies towards Bachelor’s degrees at SPC at NJ state college tuition rates

Hudson County Community College and Saint Peter’s College signed documents formalizing the memorandum of understanding between the two colleges. Seated from left: HCCC President Dr. Glen Gabert and SPC President Dr. Eugene Cornacchia. Standing from left: SPC Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Marylou Yam and HCCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Eric Fri               

March 23, 2012, Jersey City, NJ – On Wednesday morning, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) President Dr. Glen Gabert and Saint Peter’s College (SPC) President Dr. Eugene Cornacchia signed a memorandum of agreement that will allow HCCC graduates to transfer their credits to, and complete their baccalaureate studies at, SPC for the same tuition students would pay at a New Jersey state college. The signing of the agreement took place in the HCCC Culinary Arts Institute/Conference Center on the College’s Journal Square Campus in Jersey City.

 

“This is an historic event in Hudson County Community College’s history,” said President Gabert. “We have always had close ties to Saint Peter’s College — we have partnered with SPC in several ventures and have a longtime articulation agreement with them. However, this agreement is truly unique in that it will provide HCCC graduates with the opportunity to continue working towards their bachelor’s degrees at Saint Peter’s College at the same tuition that they would pay at a New Jersey state college.” The agreement applies to any baccalaureate degree program in Saint Peter College’s College of Arts and Sciences/School of Business Administration, School of Nursing, School of Education or School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

 

“The partnership with Hudson County Community College further solidifies our commitment to the growth and well-being of the surrounding community,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., President of Saint Peter’s College. “Not only are we building enrollment for Saint Peter’s College, but we are making it possible for Hudson County Community College students to continue their education right here in Hudson County. With benefits such as New Jersey state college tuition rates and personal transfer advisement, HCCC graduates can be sure they are getting the most out of their investment in an education.” 

 Dr. Gabert explained that Saint Peter’s College will maintain an office on Hudson County Community College’s Journal Square campus, where HCCC students will be able to learn about Saint  Peter’s College, the courses of study offered there and the requirements needed for transferring after graduating from HCCC.

 Also present for the agreement signing were HCCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Eric Friedman and Vice President for North Hudson Center and Student Affairs Dr. Paula P. Pando, as well as SPC Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Marylou Yam and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs & Assessment Dr. Mildred Mihlon.

 Dr. Gabert said the agreement will be “changing lives,” as it opens many new avenues of opportunities to Hudson County Community College students who earn their Associate’s degrees. “This agreement helps make the possibility of attaining a bachelor’s degree from a private, prestigious, liberal arts college significantly more affordable and, therefore, much more of a reality. As we have often stated, at Hudson County Community College our foremost concern is to serve our students — and therefore our community — better, and this agreement is just another example of how we — in conjunction with Saint Peter’s College — are doing just that,” he stated.

 Both Dr. Gabert and Dr. Cornacchia referenced the fact that plans are in the works for other collaborations between Hudson County Community College and Saint Peter’s College.