The event theme, “Investing in Student Success,” spotlights the HCCC Foundation’s dedication to assisting students in achieving academic success by developing and awarding need-based and merit scholarships, providing seed money for faculty programs, and supporting the College’s physical growth and the cultural enrichment of Hudson County residents. Since its founding, the Foundation has raised more than $4.2 million in scholarships.

At this year’s Gala, the HCCC Foundation will recognize Ellucian Foundation’s endowment investment in the College’s innovative and award-winning “Hudson Scholars” program, and the award of $25,000 in Ellucian Path Scholarships to HCCC students. Laura Ipsen, Ellucian President and Chief Executive Officer, will accept the honor.

In addition to enjoying the delicious cuisine prepared and served by the HCCC Culinary Arts students and chef-instructors, Gala guests will be treated to fare specially prepared and served by HCCC alumni culinarians in the “Alumni Room”. Cocktails will be served in the HCCC Seafood Bar and Lounge, which will feature the spectacular ice carvings of Chef Kevin O’Malley.

Attendees will choose from an array of scrumptious desserts, including an experience in the Paul Dillon Ice Cream Parlor, an homage to the late, beloved Chef, mentor, and CAI Associate Dean. Dean Dillon served HCCC with distinction for more than 37 years. Desserts and the program will take place in the elegant Sansone Dining Room.

Guests can enjoy a selection of works from the renowned HCCC Foundation Art Collection in a special gallery on the third floor. The Collection includes paintings, sculpture, photography, drawings, limited-edition prints, ephemera, and much more by some of the nation’s most distinguished and well-known artists. Uniquely, the HCCC Foundation Art Collection is displayed in every College building, serving as a “living museum” and inspiration for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Collection has been cited as a model for other colleges and universities throughout New Jersey and the United States.

Established in 1997, the Hudson County Community College Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation providing tax-exempt status to contributors. Sponsorship opportunities for the Gala – including advertising in the event journal – are available and may be obtained online at https://www.hccc.edu/community/foundation/foundation-events/foundation-gala.html or emailing [email protected] and using subject line, “HCCC Gala 2022.” The advertising deadline is November 28, 2022.

The Foundation will also hold a “Lucky Odds Raffle” with tickets available for $50 each. The grand prize is 40% of the ticket sales; second prize is 6%; third prize is 4%. “Lucky Odds Raffle” tickets may be obtained by calling 201-360-4006 or emailing [email protected].

Information about the HCCC “Hudson Scholars” program is available at https://www.hccc.edu/student-success/advisement-transfer/hudson-scholars/index.html, and details on the HCCC Foundation Art Collection may be found at https://www.hccc.edu/community/arts/foundation-art-collection/index.html.

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Caption: Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Culinary Arts students are ready to serve guests at the 25^th Anniversary celebration of the HCCC Foundation Gala.

About Hudson County Community College

Hudson County Community College serves more than 18,000 credit and non-credit students annually. The College offers nearly 90 degree and certificate programs, including award-winning English as a Second Language; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management; Nursing and Health Sciences; and Humanities and Social Sciences. The HCCC Culinary/Hospitality Management program was ranked number six in the U.S. by Best Choice Schools.

HCCC has partnerships with major four-year colleges and universities in the greater New Jersey-New York area and beyond, accommodating seamless transfer of credits for further undergraduate and graduate education.The College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been recognized with the 2021 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Northeast Region Equity Award; the “INSIGHT Into Diversity” 2021 and 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, this year honoring HCCC as one of seven community colleges nationally to be named “Top Colleges for Diversity;” and the “INSIGHT Into Diversity” 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. HCCC was a finalist this year for the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) “Advancing Diversity Award of Excellence.” HCCC was selected as one of 24 community colleges in the United States – and the only community college in New Jersey – to be named among the “2022 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges” by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) in collaboration with “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.” The College was also one of just 22 community colleges in the nation, and the only college in New Jersey, to be recognized by ModernThink LLC and the “Chronicle of Higher Education” as a 2022 “Great College to W