Hudson County Community College Class of 2025 Graduates Share Their Inspiring Academic Journeys
May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – The Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Class of 2025 is the largest in the College’s history, with more than 1,540 students graduating. They include single parents, siblings, career changers, older adults, immigrants striving to achieve the American dream, lifelong learners, and others.
The HCCC 48th Annual Commencement Ceremony will be held Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10 a.m. in
Sports Illustrated Arena, Harrison, NJ. The event will include greetings and introductions
from HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, HCCC Board of Trustees Chair Jeanette Peña,
and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. Dr. Darryl Jones, Vice President for Academic
Affairs, will host the Presentation of Graduates. Master of Ceremonies is Senior Vice
President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Dr. Lisa Dougherty.
Hudson County Community College is holding its 48th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Sports Illustrated Arena in Harrison, NJ. The College’s Class of 2025 is its largest ever, with 1,540 graduates.
Many graduates overcame large obstacles in their academic journeys. Here are a few of their stories:
Ebony Batts dropped out of college twice to raise her two children. Fast forward nearly 20 years. Her daughter enrolled at a college and her high-school-aged son convinced Ebony that it was her turn to pursue her college degree. She enrolled at HCCC to complete her Liberal Arts degree. “Once I made it through the first semester, like mothers do to children when they get older, my children let my hand go and said ‘I believe in you. Now you believe in yourself.’ I did just that,” she reflected.
Wicunaa Campbell moved from Florida to New Jersey and lived on her sister’s couch while working full time and attending the College. Initially she failed many classes due to stress, a lack of motivation and sleep, and the death of a friend. Wicunaa will receive her Associate in Science degree in Computer Science on May 21. “I was homeschooled my whole life but I didn’t learn much,” she explained. “I did math at a third-grade level when I was 21. There was no structure when I was growing up. I had to teach myself grammar at age 12 from Google on an old laptop my uncle gave me after losing a bet. I’ve had my own room since 2024 and have been crushing my classes.”
Deysi Campuzano is an Ecuadorian immigrant and the first in her family to earn a college degree, an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice. She found a sense of belonging and empowerment at the College. “I was afraid of who I would become, how everything would unfold, and what my future would hold,” Deysi said. “Coincidentally, my grandfather told my uncles ‘Don’t look back’ when they emigrated to the United States. It’s the same thing my parents told me when I arrived at the airport. Now I’m adjusting to the rhythm of life in the United States, working, studying, and trying to give my best. You can’t go far by staying in your comfort zone.”
Jamie and Jonathan Lowman are siblings and former college dropouts. Jamie will receive her Associate in Science in Medical Science degree; Jonathan will receive his Associate in Art in Business-Liberal Arts degree. “I graduated high school thinking I wanted to teach, but I wasn’t sure if that was what I really wanted. I ended up in banking, something I was decent at but didn’t really care about,” Jamie said. “I gave the Certified Nurses Aide course at HCCC a try. I loved it. I decided to pursue a degree in 2019. I returned after the pandemic, around the same time my brother enrolled.”
Susan Lucas is a 38-year-old Mexican-American wife, mom of two, and survivor who fled domestic violence. Susan will receive her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. “One of my sons has multiple disabilities, and it’s one of the reasons I had difficulty in school, because I’m constantly needed. Overall, I am a happy woman,” she said.
Azhane McDaniel is a mother of two girls and the first in her family to earn her college degree, an Associate in Science in Human Services/Pre-Social Work. She worked part-time in the Early College Program and balanced college, home, federal work study, and honor society memberships. “Many opportunities have come my way during my journey at HCCC,” she said, noting that she plans to transfer to New Jersey City University.
Jessica Morales will receive her Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education degree 20 years after graduating high school. She is a mom of three, ages 19, 15, and 6, and her eldest attends HCCC. “I’ve had the privilege of experiencing college life with my oldest child and also my two younger brothers who are currently HCCC students,” Jessica noted. “My advice is to keep pushing forward, even if it feels like baby steps.”
Mahamat Sakine Hissein is from Chad and studied pharmacy in Sudan before winning a visa lottery in 2021 and moving to the United States. He was set to go back to complete his pharmacy studies, but civil war in Sudan prompted a change of plans. “The problem was that my university in Sudan was closed because of the war, and I could not get my official papers to bring to the U.S.A., so I faced a significant obstacle,” Mahamat said. He enrolled at HCCC, taking English as a Second Language classes. He will receive his Associate in Science in Science and Mathematics - Biotechnology degree.
Dr. Joseph Segriff is a former Montclair State University and New Jersey City University adjunct professor and lifelong learner. He holds six HCCC degrees (Health Services, Sociology, History, Psychology, Biology and Biotechnology), and this year will receive his Associate in Science in Criminal Justice degree, his 33rd college degree! “It will be my 23rd undergraduate degree, for I already have ten graduate degrees, which include three earned doctorates, six master’s degrees, and a post-master’s ‘Specialist in Education’ graduate degree from Rutgers University,” he said.