Christopher M. Reber, President, Hudson County Community College

As a community college located in Jersey City, New Jersey, the most diverse city in the United States, Hudson County Community College serves and supports all who walk through our doors in pursuit of education and a promising future. Our collegeâ€s commitment to this open-access mission, anchored to our shared values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, is ironclad. Unfortunately, recent rulings by the United States Supreme Court, including the Courtâ€s decision to strike down Affirmative Action, stand in stark contrast to this mission and our core values.

Hudson County Community College, and community colleges like us all over the nation, provide a vital onramp to the American Dream for those we serve. Our Journal Square campus is located in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, an inspirational symbol of our studentâ€s dreams and aspirations. Our North Hudson campus serves Union City, one of the nationâ€s most densely populated cities and a diverse and thriving community with a large concentration of Hispanic and Latino citizens.

Our location in the heart of this diverse and vibrant region provides a unique vantage point for serving traditionally underrepresented and marginalized students and community members – people who are adversely affected by the Supreme Courtâ€s recent decisions.

We are proud to support all students in achieving their goals and dreams for a better life. Like our community college peers, HCCC is an open-access institution, so the recent Affirmative Action ruling will not directly affect our admission of all students who come to us seeking a brighter future. But it will affect many of our graduates and employees who succeed at HCCC and go on to pursue baccalaureate and graduate education, including many who apply to highly selective colleges and universities including Ivy League and Research 1 institutions.

Most HCCC students place into English as a Second Language (ESL), Developmental English, and/or Developmental Math courses when they begin their education with us. Many of these students speak little or no English. Most navigate significant financial challenges. Additionally, we proudly serve many DACA and undocumented students.

In recent years, Temple Universityâ€s Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice twice surveyed our student body and found that two-thirds to three-quarters of our students reported challenges of food insecurity, housing insecurity, and even homelessness. I invite you to reflect on the immensity of the challenge of attending college while hungry or homeless, and the monumental commitment and drive these students have in seeking a brighter future. And many students are parents, struggling to navigate these life challenges while caring for children, and other family members, and working, often full-time.

Our students represent populations that are too often overlooked and ignored, but we are proud not to overlook anyone. We embrace all students. Through their hard work and with our guidance, support, and love, our students achieve transformational outcomes.

We have worked assiduously and collaboratively to create pathways that enable our students to transfer seamlessly to four-year institutions so they can continue their educational journeys and pursue their career and life goals. While our students endure significant hardships as they strive to complete their education, they consistently overcome these challenges to achieve remarkable outcomes and inspirational points of pride, year after year.

This past year, six of our students were chosen as semifinalists for the prestigious and highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the most in our collegeâ€s history. In recent years, our high-performing graduates have continued their educational journeys at prestigious institutions like NYU, Columbia, Princeton, Rutgers, and Stevens Institute of Technology, sometimes with full scholarships. Unfortunately, the Supreme Courtâ€s recent decisions restrict and discourage selective colleges and universities from continuing to serve many of our graduates in spite of these institutions†belief in and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We are proud that our students tell us repeatedly they feel cared about and “at home” at Hudson County Community College. Indeed, our students have coined a phrase that is now our college tagline – “Hudson is Home!”

At our most recent Commencement ceremony, a record 1,505 graduates, including recent immigrants, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and graduates from all races, ethnicities, and walks of life crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, united by their hard work in pursuit of a better life and supported by a loving and caring community. Nine of our graduates were incarcerated or reentry citizens, including two students who received their diplomas while incarcerated at the Hudson County Correctional Center.

Beyond the end of Affirmative Action, additional Supreme Court rulings that strike down previously announced plans for student loan forgiveness, and permit businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ citizens, create even more challenges for those we serve. These decisions are a setback to citizens all over the country who are striving to create a better life for themselves and their families and better communities for all.

The recent Supreme Court rulings throw new obstacles into the pathways our courageous and inspirational students traverse on their academic and life journeys, but itâ€s not only the Supreme Court that is making the world a more difficult and less welcoming place for many Americans. Book bans are being imposed in a growing number of states to clamp down on independent and critical thinking, the very skills we are trying to foster with a college education and the foundation that all democracies are built on. Members of our societyâ€s marginalized communities have incredible and inspirational stories of perseverance and survival to tell. We can all learn from their courage and determination. But, sadly, book bans are being wielded as a weapon to erase these stories and silence their voices.

We have worked hard to mitigate the barriers to success that many of our students face, placing these students on pathways to the American Dream. Progress in creating a more equitable world has been hard fought, and while recent setbacks are discouraging, they ultimately strengthen our resolve to fight harder for the ideals of equity and inclusion for all. Our students are resilient, and with our full support, they will continue to pursue and achieve monumental outcomes.

We will keep going. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

We must redouble our efforts to ensure all have an opportunity for an education and a better life. The poem inscribed on the base of the nearby Statue of Liberty, Emma Lazarus†“New Colossus,” famously tells the world to “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Lady Liberty is a powerful metaphor for our college’s mission today.

HCCC will continue to serve all who enter our doors by providing them with educational opportunities, empowerment, and love to reach their full potential. Our nationâ€s community colleges and all of higher education embody the best our country has to offer in the spirit of inclusion, equality, equity, and hope.

Christopher M. Reber, President Hudson County Community College

Jersey City, Union City, and Secaucus, NJ

The post Op Ed: Supreme Court Recent Rulings-Our Resolve is Stronger than the Setback first appeared on River View Observer.

Jersey City, NJ … Today the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce launched a promotional campaign designed to spur the business community into supporting fellow Hudson County based businesses.

The campaign theme is “We Make it Happen” and features six distinguished members of the association’s Board of Directors in a series of print, online and outdoor ads during a six week period. The group includes Dr. Carlos Hernandez, President, New Jersey City University; Dr. Eugene Cornacchia, President, Saint Peter’s College; Joseph F. Scott, FACHE, President and CEO, LibertyHealth; Connie Claman, Vice President Resource Administration, Liberty Science Center; Maria Nieves, Director, Public Affairs, Fidelity Investments and Helen Brzozowski, Director, Junior Prep Pre-School Center.

As the unified voice of the business community, the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce works to help grow business. Chamber Chair Joseph Scott noted, “The Hudson County Chamber is a vital force in our County and is committed to promoting member businesses. Our team approach has resulted in the unprecedented expansion of Hudson County and its business community”.  

The campaign, coordinated by Chamber Vice Chairs Daryl Rand, HarrisonRand Advertising and Sharon Ambis Pizzutiello, of The Jersey Journal, is in the initial stage of the Chamber’s community outreach, featuring networking events, topical seminars and the Annual Legends Ball. This year’s Gala will showcase the significant contributions of honorees, Dr. Carlos Hernandez, President, New Jersey City University; Mr. Frank Gargiulo, Superintendent, Hudson County Schools of Technology and Coach Bob Hurley, St. Anthony’s High School. 

Congressman Frank Guarini, an ardent supporter of the Hudson County Chamber, helped facilitate the campaign. During a recent interview, he noted that, “The Chamber has and continues to be a driving force in the growth and development of Hudson County. I endorse this campaign and am certain the results will be significant for Hudson’s expanding future”. 

For more information or to join the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, please call Brian J. Dunlap at 201-386-0699 or visit our website www.hudsonchamber.org.

To learn more about the “We Make It Happen” campaign click here

PRESS RELEASE – HUDSON COUNTY CHAMBER LAUNCHES AD CAMPAIGN
 
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RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THE FOLLOWING UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS!

Fall Business Networking Art & Jazz Event – Wednesday, November 10th
For additional information, click here

 Entrepreneur’s Week Business Networking Event – Tuesday, November 16th
For additional information, click here

 Business Skills Workshop – Friday, November 19th
“Discovering Your Memory Power” with America’s Memory Master – Matthew Goerke
For additional information, click here

Third Annual Legends Ball – Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Honoring the following Legends:

Dr. Carlos Hernandez, President
New Jersey City University

Mr. Bob Hurley, Sr., Coach
Saint Anthony High School
For additional information, click here

MEMBER NEWS

Exclusive Kick-Off Event of the Women’s Leadership Council at Liberty Science Center – Wednesday, November 10th
 For additional information, click here
 

Hudson County Chamber of Commerce – “We Make It Happen”

The post HUDSON COUNTY CHAMBER LAUNCHES AD CAMPAIGN first appeared on River View Observer.

According to the website Lowering the Bar  President George Washington has been accused by a New York Library for failing to return valuable library materials checked out during his presidency. It seems the former President  took out two books on in October of 1789, one  on international law and another that contained transcripts of debates in Britain’s House of Commons.  The books were due back November 2, 1789.  If it’s found to be true, that neither book was ever returned this would mean that , setting aside the value of the items themselves, and adjusting for inflation, Washington currently owes about $100,000 in late fees.

Source: boingboing

Read more Lowering the Bar

The post Does George Washington – Owes Library Fines, about $100,000 in Late Fees? first appeared on River View Observer.

The Famed Civil Rights Leader Will Address Class of 2010 on Thursday, May 27

 

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder and President of Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and one of the most revered leaders in America’s civil rights movement, has been engaged to speak at the graduation of Hudson County Community College’s Class of 2010. The College’s Commencement exercises are scheduled to take place on the evening of Thursday, May 27, 2010 in the Prudential Hall at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ.

“We are honored that Reverend Jackson has accepted our invitation to speak at the College’s 32^nd Annual Commencement exercises,” said Hudson County Community College President Dr. Glen Gabert. “Reverend Jackson is a world leader who has played an iconic role in our country’s history. Fostering a commitment to academic excellence among U.S. citizens and world leaders has been a cornerstone of his work.”

Dr. Gabert said that the College anticipates conferring associate degrees on at least 700 students at this year’s exercises.

Hudson County Community College has experienced record enrollment numbers each semester for the past several years, with the number of students skyrocketing from 7,000 in 2007, to nearly 9,000 for the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 semesters.

The College’s enrollment growth is being met by a $147.7 million capital expansion and improvement program that will be fully realized within the next year.

Complete details on the College’s 2010 Commencement Exercises will be made available in the upcoming weeks.

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The post Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. to Deliver Keynote Speech at Hudson County Community College 2010 Graduation Exercises first appeared on River View Observer.

Will Convene and Preside Over All Meetings of Leadership from State’s 19 County Colleges

December 18, 2009, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College President Dr. Glen Gabert was recently elected to serve as chairman of the presidents from each of New Jersey’s 19 county colleges. Dr. Gabert will serve in this capacity through November 2010, convening and presiding over the presidents’ meetings.

 “It is a great honor to be entrusted with this role and to serve with such fine and esteemed colleagues,” Dr. Gabert stated. He explained that the New Jersey Community College Presidents usually meet once a month to create, discuss, and implement statewide community college policies and initiatives.

 

In addition to his role as Chairman of the New Jersey Community College Presidents, Dr. Gabert will also serve his third and final term on the New Jersey Council of County Colleges’ Executive Committee. That seven-member team consists of three community college presidents and four community college trustees.

 

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges is an independent, trustee-headed organization that joins the leadership of community college presidents and trustees and provides statewide leadership for the advancement of the 19 New Jersey community colleges. The Council also oversees sector coordination as required by state law.

 

Last month, Dr. Gabert who has been President of Hudson County Community College since 1992, was inducted as a member of the governing board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU). During his tenure at HCCC, for-credit enrollment has more than doubled, with more than 8,600 students in classes this term. In addition, eight modern buildings have been added to the College’s two urban campuses – Journal Square in Jersey City and North Hudson in West New York, NJ – since Dr. Gabert has been President, and the College was recognized by MetLife in 2006 as one of the nation’s leading urban community colleges. The expansion plans also call for the addition of a new library, classrooms, science labs and parking garage in Jersey City, as well as a $27.3 million North Hudson Center in Union City which is to be built from the ground up within the next year.

 

Hudson County Community College is well known for its Culinary Arts Institute, English-as-a-Second-Language and Cooperative Nursing programs. The College is especially well known for its Center for Academic & Student Success, which provides a variety of innovative services to a student body comprised of women and men from more than 100 countries who speak 50 different languages.

 

Prior to coming to Hudson County Community College, Dr. Gabert served as a Dean at Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, KS) where he was also chief planning and development officer, chief personnel officer, and the institutional liaison to the League for Innovation in the Community College. Gabert, who began his professional career as a college teacher, was also Assistant to the President of Moraine Valley Community College (Palos Hills, IL). He received his Ph.D. from Loyola University where he was a Schmitt Fellow and adjunct member of the faculty of the Graduate School of Education. He also holds a post-doctoral MBA in human resources from the Graduate School of Management at Rockhurst University in Kansas City (MO), a master’s degree from University of Notre Dame where he was a Hearst Fellow, and a bachelor’s degree from Benedictine University.

 

Dr. Gabert serves – or has served – on the Boards of the Hudson County Workforce Development Board, Hudson County United Way, Hudson County Overall Economic Development Council and Journal Square Restoration Corporation.

The post HCCC President Glen Gabert Elected Chair of New Jersey’s Community College Presidents first appeared on River View Observer.