Tag Archives: HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber

Education, Special Event

Acclaimed Actor Derek Luke Returns Home for Exclusive Appearance at Hudson County Community College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Fifty and Forward!

Renowned actor Derek Luke will help ring in Hudson County Community College’s 50th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration with a special appearance at the September 9th kickoff event.

You’ve seen him in Antwone Fisher, Glory Road, and Captain America: The First Avenger—now, come see Derek Luke at HCCC’s 50th Anniversary Kick Off Celebration!

– As Hudson County Community College (HCCC) launches its milestone yearlong 50th-anniversary celebration with a kick off party on Tuesday, September 9, attendees will enjoy the opportunity to meet acclaimed actor and Jersey City native Derek Luke.

A distinguished actor whose breakout role as the title character in Antwone Fisher earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead, Derek Luke, who attended nearby Henry Snyder High School, also inspired audiences by portraying Bobby Joe Hill in Glory Road, and played Gabe Jones in Captain America: The First Avenger.

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Special Event

Hudson County Community College Invites Public to September 11 Memorial Event

The Hudson County Community College (HCCC) 9/11 Memorial event will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. Pictured here, the steel fragment of a supportive I-beam from one of the original World Trade Center Twin Towers that is displayed on the sixth-floor terrace of the
HCCC Gabert Library.

Twenty-four years ago, Hudson County lost 155 residents in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. They were among the nearly 3,000 individuals – including 900 New Jerseyans – killed in targeted attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93. Throughout the years, vigils continue with family members and supporters paying tribute to the parents, children, siblings, cousins, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who were lost on that fateful day. 

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) will once again host a 9/11 Memorial to honor victims and their families. The event will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Gabert Library located at 71 Sip Avenue in Jersey City. Elected officials, emergency responders, students, educators, historians, and others will offer reflections, remembrances, and tributes from the College’s HCCC Benjamin J. Dineen III and Dennis C. Hull Gallery and Atrium that have panoramic views of the New York City and Jersey City skylines. Those who wish to attend are asked to register here.

“The 9/11 terrorist attacks changed our skyline and our waterfront, and reshaped our collective perspectives,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “Jersey City became a focal point as a hub for enhancing security and infrastructure protection and for building alliances connecting people of all faiths, races, and backgrounds. We will never forget the individuals we lost, and the lives impacted.” 

“This day carries immense significance in our community – Hudson County is just across the river from Manhattan where the tragedy of 9/11 occurred. Many of our police officers – including myself and Chairman Anthony L. Romano – firefighters, and EMTs were there that day and the days that followed to support our community and country during this difficult time. And each year, we renew our commitment and dedication to never forget the 155 Hudson County fallen residents and their families, as well as those that have passed from 9/11 related illnesses over the past 24 years,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “I am grateful to Hudson County Community College and President 
Dr. Chris Reber for holding this memorial event to honor the victims of 9/11 and continue educating our youth about what this day means to our Country.” 

HCCC Associate Director of Institutional Engagement and Excellence Training Richard Walker will begin the memorial event by introducing HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, who will welcome guests. Hudson County Board of Commissioners Chair Anthony L. Romano will provide the keynote address. The Commissioner will be followed by Jersey City Fire Department Battalion Chief and published author Dwayne Taylor.

Other speakers include HCCC Associate Professor of History Antonio Acevedo discussing the Historical Impact of 9/11; HCCC Associate Professor Emeritus Joseph Colicchio, who served as faculty at the College at the time of the attacks; HCCC Associate Director of Veterans Affairs and International Students Zachary Forrest, who will introduce HCCC Fire Safety Manager Patrick Del Piano; New Jersey Police Training Commission Vice Chair James Sharrock, who will offer additional reflection; HCCC Coordinator of Cultural Affairs Salma Abdelwahed, who will introduce Student Poet Victoria Lenga; and HCCC Vice President for Institutional Engagement and Excellence Dr. Yeurys Pujols, who will deliver closing remarks.

A key feature of the rooftop terrace adjoining HCCC’s sixth floor Atrium is the World Trade Center steel fragment that came to the College from the Office of the Executive Director at the New Jersey State Museum. Part of the “Remember 9/11” exhibit at the Museum in 2013, the sculpture was donated to the College when the Museum sought appropriate institutions to display 9/11 artifacts. Specifically, the steel fragment is believed to be from the North Tower’s East Façade, floors 89-92. All of those in attendance are welcome to view the artifact from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the ceremonies. 

The HCCC Foundation Art Collection includes 9/11-related artwork displayed in HCCC Journal Square Campus buildings:
https://www.hccc.edu/community/resources/documents/foundation-art-collection-9-11.pdf

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Education

Hudson County Community College Graduates 11 Solar Installation Students 

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) recently celebrated eleven students who completed Solar Installation Training. Pictured here, front row, from left: Dimension Energy Origination Associate Elena Mannion; HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber; HCCC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Continuing Education and Workforce Development Lori Margolin; graduates Jimmy Harris, Ari McPherson, Charles Cooper and Willie Brown; New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) Executive Director and Chair James McGreevey; HCCC Apprenticeship Coordinator Albert Williams.

The new program illustrates how the College’s public-private partnerships 
prepare the workforce with sustainable careers for the future.

 
Recently, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) celebrated 11 students who completed Solar Installation Training offered by the College in partnership with Dimension Energy, a national community solar developer, owner, and operator. HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, HCCC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Continuing Education and Workforce Development Lori Margolin, Dimension Energy Origination Associate Elana Mannion, New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) Executive Director and Chairman James McGreevey, and others congratulated graduates at the ceremony.
 
Solar energy is a renewable, clean, and low-maintenance energy source that helps reduce environmental pollution and electric bills. In recent years, solar energy has become more than an alternative source of power; it is steadily developing into one of the world’s primary energy sources. 
 
As demand for solar energy grows, the industry is actively recruiting individuals trained to install solar panels, which have become more affordable. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 24% job growth for solar photovoltaic installers, much higher than the growth in many other industries, and the solar energy industry is expected to continue growing worldwide.
 
HCCC’s intensive, seven-week offering was taught at the Governor’s Reentry Training and Employment Center in Kearny. The course was taught collaboratively by skilled professionals from HCCC and Solar One, with employers and construction trade unions invited to participate. Training included Hands-on Solar Installation classes, plus Introduction to Construction, Work Readiness Skills, and four certifications — OSHA-10, Basic Life Support (BLS), Green Construction, and Photovoltaic Installer.
 
A key component of this workforce development program was connecting students to apprenticeships and job opportunities. Students networked with Dimension Energy, Procurement, Employer, and Trade Union partners. One student attained employment before the program ended.
 
“This clean energy training program is an outstanding example of a public-private partnership and investment,” Dr. Reber stated. “Tuition was provided by HCCC from the Metallica Band’s All Within My Hands Foundation; students’ stipends and networking opportunities came from Dimension Energy; HCCC and Solar One provided training; hands-on solar installation training with Solar One was delivered with funding support from the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative; HCCC provided a Student Success Coach; and New Jersey Reentry Corporation supplied the training venue.”
 
“Hudson County Community College is a great workforce development partner because they understand the importance of each step in the process,” said Bryan Bentrott, Vice President of Origination for Dimension. “From LinkedIn tutorials to employer networking to post-course follow-ups with each student, their team is making sure every student has a clear path to a full-time job. We are excited to see some of these graduates join Dimension projects shortly.” 

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Education

Hudson County Community College Welcomes Dominique Maynard as Director of the Hudson Hub One Stop Student Services Center

Hudson County Community College announced that Dominique Maynard has been named the College’s Director of the Hudson Hub One Stop Student Services Center.

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dominque Maynard as the new Director of the Hudson Hub One Stop Student Services Center. In this role, Ms. Maynard will oversee the establishment and operation of a comprehensive student services center that will streamline and enhance the student experience at HCCC by integrating the functions of various college offices into a single place and providing students with efficient access to a wide range of administrative and support services.

Ms. Maynard is a student-driven professional who brings extensive experience in student services and operations to her new role. She most recently served as Associate Director of One Stop Operations at Union College of Union County, where she managed initiatives to improve student access and support across advising, financial aid, and registration. Her previous experience includes Student Services Specialist for Advising, Career and Transfer at the same institution, and Student Affairs Liaison Graduate Assistant at UNC Greensboro, where she supported initiatives designed to advance student success and engagement.

Ms. Maynard is anticipating the completion of her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree with a concentration in Community College Leadership from Rowan University. She holds a Master of Education in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs Administration from UNC Greensboro and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Family & Human Services from Towson University, illustrating her longstanding commitment to advancing the mission of community colleges and fostering environments for student growth.

“We are excited to welcome Dominque Maynard to the HCCC family,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “Her dedication to student-centered service and her track record of effective leadership in One Stop operations will help ensure our students have the support they need to thrive and reach their educational goals. HCCC looks forward to the leadership and wealth of experience Dominique will bring to the Hudson Hub One Stop Student Services Center as she works to build a supportive, efficient, and accessible environment for all students.”

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Education

Hudson County Community College to Welcome Malcolm X’s Daughter, Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz


Dr. Shabazz will be Guest Speaker at the College’s Annual
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial event.

Caption: Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, published author, public speaker, activist, and daughter of the late Malcom X will be the guest speaker at Hudson County Community College’s Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on January 28, 2025.

December 20, 2024, Jersey City, NJ – Malcolm X fought racial injustice by any means necessary, advocating armed resistance and separatism; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. espoused peaceful protests and community organizing to end segregation and fight discrimination. Although the Muslim revolutionary leader and the Baptist minister differed in their advocacy and philosophical approaches, their legacies are intertwined. Before they were both assassinated at age 39, they built the foundation for future generations of activists.

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Education

HCCC’s Hudson Scholars Program Thrives with $100,000 Investment of Provident Bank Foundation

Caption: With the support of a $100,000 grant from the Provident Bank Foundation, the Hudson Scholars Program has created significantly improved outcomes for hundreds of HCCC students. Pictured: Hudson Scholars graduates at HCCC’s 2024 Commencement.  

The Signature Grant helped the College’s award-winning program expand academic opportunities and improve student success through an innovative approach.

A $100,000 Signature Grant from Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) made a profound impact on the lives of over 400 Hudson County Community College (HCCC) students who participated in the award-winning Hudson Scholars program and are now HCCC graduates.

In 2023, PBF awarded a series of $100,000 Signature Grants for three different funding priorities: Education; Community Enrichment; and Health, Youth, & Families. The grants fund the creation or expansion of innovative programs that address systemic challenges in our communities and their root causes.

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Education

Hudson County Community College NamedLeader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream

Hudson County Community College has substantially increased student retention and completion over the past five years. Pictured here, are joyful members of the HCCC Class of 2023

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has earned “Leader College of Distinction” designation from Achieving the Dream (ATD), the national reform movement of high-achieving community colleges. The honor is bestowed upon innovative higher education institutions that demonstrate sustained and significant outcomes in the advancement of student success. HCCC is one of six Leader Colleges to receive this honor.

ATD is the acclaimed national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community colleges as hubs of equity and mobility in their communities. ATD created the Leader College of Distinction Award in 2018 to recognize colleges that meet challenging student success goals. It is the highest designation of institutional success outcomes in the ATD network of colleges.

“This recognition is important to our colleges. It affirms to their faculty and staff and communities the importance of their student success work and that they are making progress on important milestone metrics in their journeys,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, President and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “Hudson County Community College is an exemplar of excellence within the ATD Network. It is driving accelerated and scaled gains in equitable student success results, which affect substantive improvements for students, families, and the community HCCC serves. Their dedication and hard work both inform and inspire other colleges, and we admire them for their work.”

HCCC joined the ATD network of 300 colleges in January 2019 and achieved Leader College status last year by demonstrating continuous improvement in retention and graduation rates, especially among Hispanic and African American students; attending annual ATD DREAM meetings; filing annual student success action plans and reports; and serving as an invited presenter at ATD national meetings and webinars.

“We’re proud to be named a Leader College of Distinction, and thank our Trustees, faculty, staff, and students for helping produce transformative results that empower our students and our community,” said HCCC President, Dr. Christopher Reber. “ATD’s mission aligns with our College’s mission of opening new pathways for our most vulnerable learners and helping ensure that students achieve their academic and professional goals. Seeing our students complete degree and certificate programs, become gainfully employed, and engage in civic participation is inspiring, and compels us to continue building upon our successes.”

Hudson County Community College utilizes evidence-based data and programs and ATD best practices to shape policy and practices that result in student success:

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Education

Hudson County Community College AppointsEight New Full-Time Faculty

 

Pictured here, are HCCC’s eight newly appointed, full-time faculty members. Top row: Sharon Daughtry, Dr. Gabriel Holder, Sebastian Pieciak, and Sovi Pujols. Bottom row: Dorante Dawn Richards, Sonja Rodiger-Radovic, Keeley Thorton, and Dr. Benedetto Youssef.

The Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of eight faculty to new, full-time, tenure-track positions.

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Education

Hudson County Community College Offers High School Students 50% Tuition Savings and a Jumpstart on College Goals

11 of the 13 HCCC Early College graduates in May 2023

HCCC Early College Program is open to ALL high school students
who attend school or reside in Hudson County.

In 2021, Bayonne resident Kate Neal earned her high school diploma and Associate in Science (A.S.) in Environmental Studies degree at the same time. She attained this exceptional accomplishment as a result of the Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Early College Program. Now a junior studying Civil Engineering at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Ms. Neal said: “I am extremely grateful for the HCCC Early College Program opportunity. It has helped me feel better prepared to enter a four-year college.”

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General

Hudson County Community College Initiates Student Poet Laureate Program Unique to Two- and Four-year Colleges

HCCC inaugural Student Poet Laureate, Natalie Akel.  

The HCCC Student Poet Laureate program, and its inaugural Student Poet Laureate, are featured in the College’s ‘Out of the Box’ podcast.  

February 24, 2022, Jersey City, NJ – Merriam-Webster defines “poet laureate” as a poet honored for outstanding creative achievement. The laureate title dates to ancient Greek and Roman times when the accomplishments of poets, athletes, and heroes were honored with a crown of greenery from the laurel tree, which was associated with Apollo and considered sacred.  

The tradition of poet laureate has continued over the centuries as countries, states, municipalities, arts organizations, and even universities confer the title on those who produce superior works. For example, Joy Harjo is the present United States Poet Laureate and the first Native American to hold that title. Amanda Gorman, who famously read her moving poem at the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris, is our nation’s very first Youth Poet Laureate. The position of Jersey City Poet Laureate was initiated by the Municipal Council in 2018 with Rashad Wright named the City’s inaugural Poet Laureate.  

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