Hudson County Community College Rings in 50 Years with Jubilant Anniversary Celebration
September 12, 2025
The unforgettable event featured celebrities, local leaders and luminaries, students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and members of the community.
September 12, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – The champagne was popping as Hudson County Community College (HCCC) kicked off
its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration Fifty and Forward in style on September
9th. The College marked the major milestone with a memorable day of events that brought
together students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and community partners in a spirited
reflection on the past and an inspired look toward the future. The kickoff was a major
success, drawing in hundreds of attendees and honoring five decades of transformation,
access, and excellence.
The formal program, held at the Gabert Library, first floor, featured remarks by President
Dr. Christopher Reber, reflections from prominent students, alumni, faculty and members
of College and County leadership including Trustee and HCCC alumna Silvia Rodriguez
(the third student to enroll at the College), longtime Theatre Arts Professor Joseph
Gallo, current students Anu Bisht and Neivi Nuñez, and HCCC Board of Trustees Chair
Jeanette Peña. There was also a special video message from Senator Cory Booker. HCCC
President Emeritus Dr. Glen Gabert, HCCC Trustee Emeritus William J. Netchert, and
former Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise were honored with the HCCC Foundation’s
inaugural Heart of Hudson awards, recognizing their important contributions to HCCC’s growth over the years.
Hundreds of attendees, including HCCC students, alumni, faculty, and staff, along with community members, celebrities, and local luminaries came together for a rousing celebration of HCCC’s 50th anniversary. Pictured here: DJ Prince Hakim, HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, and HCCC Vice President for Advancement & Communications and Executive Director of the HCCC Foundation Nicole Johnson.
After the formal program, attendees enjoyed a fireside chat with renowned actor and Jersey City native Derek Luke. The Jersey City native attended nearby Henry Snyder High School and starred in films including Antwone Fisher, Glory Road, and Captain America: The First Avenger.
Simultaneously, the Student Center buzzed with athletic-themed fun including appearances by the mascots of the New York Red Bulls and New Jersey Devils, showcasing potential jerseys for HCCC’s future basketball team, and the opportunity to vote for the mascot for HCCC’s future athletics program. There was additional fun for the whole family including photo booths, caricature artists, an ice sculpture and more. The event also showcased arts and culture at HCCC by featuring Garden State Vision, an exhibition of artwork by HCCC alumni, a sneak peek at the History Museum of Jersey City’s first-of-its-kind exhibit on HCCC’s 50th anniversary, and an HCCC oral history project with Professors Dr. Sean Egan and Antonio Acevedo.
The evening culminated in HCCC’s Culinary Plaza Park with a memorable Dance Party and Champagne Toast led by DJ Prince Hakim, son of Kool & the Gang’s Robert “Kool” Bell, who played a high-energy DJ set mixing the classics with contemporary hits. “Kool” himself led the crowd in a champagne toast to honor 50 years of impact at HCCC, before the entire crowd joined together for a raucous singalong of the band’s 1980 smash hit, Celebration.
Reflecting on the memorable day, President Reber remarked, “Our 50th anniversary celebration was filled with joy, pride, and the energy of our entire HCCC family coming together. We honored our history, celebrated our amazing community, and had a lot of fun doing it. The excitement from this milestone moment inspires us as we head into the next fifty years stronger than ever before.”
Click here to learn more about HCCC’s yearlong “Fifty and Forward!” celebration!
Click here to register for the kickoff celebration and other 50th anniversary events!