Meet HVCC

Learn more about Hudson Valley Community College through personal stories from the campus community.
Eileen Clinton in hallway on campus
“My educational and professional journey began at HVCC. The lessons I learned provided an excellent foundation for my career choices and overall success in life.”
Len W. in hallway on campus
“My future was once very dark, now it's bright.”
Ryan S. and children
“As I venture into owning my first business, I see how my time spent at HVCC created a strong foundation and network that still guides me.”
Mike Engle in the LAC
“I get hooked. I find one thing and that leads to another question.”
Holly outside Higbee Hall
“Coming to Hudson Valley was the best decision I made because it set the scene for my career.”
Scott Hathaway and Annemarie Bradley
“It was never part of my dream to win awards. I just love doing hair.”
George Baker
“He was there at the transition between what was essentially a technical training school and a community college.”
Arlene W. nursing graduation image
“A two-year degree worked for me, and I had a great experience at Hudson Valley.”
Ken Tremont in automotive lab
“When you look back on life, I guess if you can say you taught some kids, that’s something.”
Jean Ellen with mural in background
“Going to Hudson Valley was the best thing I ever did.”
Anthony in front of the University of New York in Prague building
“I made some lifelong friends while getting a good education.”
Mohamed K.
“When people see you work hard, they’re willing to help you.”
Leah C. leaning on car
“There is so much strength in deciding to do something not typically expected of women.”
Omar C. on campus
“Chess is a metaphor for life, 64 squares on the board, infinite opportunities.”
Brianna B. in lab coat smiling
“My kids. They are my main motivation.”
Taison A. in automotive lab
“Coming to HVCC, I learned not just how to start, but how to complete what I started.”
Coleen C. outside smiling
“Every time I do my schedule with my advisor, I’m in tears. I’m always like 'I can’t believe I’m doing this.'”
Jordyn G smiling on campus
“I just love working with kids and seeing them grow and develop.”
Thomas Striplin
“Potential is great, but it’s nothing unless you do something with it.”
Ken R. smiling on campus
“I think Hudson Valley plays a large part in the improvement my art has seen over the past four years.”
Parmina and Amina in graduation gowns
“We are the first in our family to come to America and to complete college.”
Daphne B. in her graduation gown
“You’re never too old or too young to pursue your dreams.”
Exercise Science Alumni Jacob Carroll and Adam Fox
“Our goal was to just try to make health and fitness more accessible to people. And when we started out, we weren’t thinking of this as a business.”
Jennifer C.
“Hudson Valley is a great place to start to figure out what your interests are.”
Alexander Patterson at internship with New York State Legislature
“Institutions like Hudson Valley are so important for people like me to be able to go back and get that second chance.”
Stephanie T. and Jesse R.
“Hudson Valley is where I got my passion for nature.”
Michael G. on campus
“It was just good to know that other people here cared about my success, and that definitely helped.”
Josh R.
“The detective work that was involved in diagnosing a car. I really, really liked that aspect of it.”
Craig S. in the classroom
“The work that we do here is important, and I always tell my students that they have someone’s life in their hands.”
Cooper playing soccer
“At summer camp, you get to meet people and you get to try new things.”
Mariam in a chair on campus
“Coming to Hudson Valley gave me that extra time to fully figure out what I wanted to do.”
Dara sitting in chair
“It’s obvious that program is top notch and really respected in this area.”
Jalen smiling
“I wasn't really playing attention to my grade point average. I was just doing the work.”
Emily in the TEC-SMART building
“It takes a while to know what you want do for the rest of your life. You need to explore opportunities.”
Sophia L.
“I feel like I've been able to get to know my professors and they've all been very helpful.”
Blanca on campus
“I don’t think people treat me like a 17-year-old, they just treat me like a student. At Hudson Valley, I really feel like I fit.”
Joe on campus
“Our schedule is ridiculous – wake up 5 a.m., bring the boys to school. Bring my wife to work. Get back to Troy, daughter goes to day care, and then my day starts.”
Pravindra P.
“I felt like I had an opportunity, a purpose, a drive to help those that are in need, so that’s why I applied for the president position at PTK.”
Starletta S.
“The human services career path is challenging and at the same time it’s also one of the most rewarding there is.”
Micah D.
“Now, more than ever, is the time to start in a field like this. We really need people out there helping the community.”
Nada Jaiteh
“When I first applied I didn't get in because the program was full. So, when they told me there was a spot open I took it, and I’m glad I did!”
Sean Clancy
“I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to go into the design field.”
Trisha L
“I’m grateful for the program and I’m definitely prepared to go out in the workforce.”
Brie Marchese
“I love having the ability to encourage, teach and develop minds in a creative way.”
Garry Polmateer
“I was just a curious person and Hudson Valley really accommodated that with all that it had to offer.”
American Sign Language instructor Shannon J.
“Sign language isn’t only for Deaf people. People from all walks of life can use it ... the more people that learn sign language, the better. ”
Stephen Breen poses in the Early Childhood Education classroom
“This is what I was meant to do in this chapter of my life.”
Farkhondeh Tajik
“The great thing about Hudson Valley is the progress you can make. Here, I know I can get the support I need to go on to another school.”
Markeia Robinson on campus
“When I look back on my life, I just want to be able to say I was able to inspire other people to reach their goals.”
Keshana Owens-Cody headshot
“You have to be able to meet people where they are, have a passion to serve and be a problem solver.”
Katie A. headshot
“After my first year at UAlbany, I was already considered a junior because of all the credits that I earned in high school.”
Areeg K.
“If you get the grades and do well here, you will do well at RPI or wherever you want to go.”
Dalton receiving the Outstanding MET student award
“The professors at Hudson Valley provided real life examples combined with theoretical practices.”
Akedra W. sitting outside on campus
“I’ve always had big dreams, and Hudson Valley is part of making those come true.”
Seth DeGraff standing with hood of car open in automotive lab
“In my opinion, we’ve got the best teachers here at Hudson Valley.”
McKayla Dias in graduation cap and gown
“The campus is accessible, and the teachers really want to make sure the students succeed.”
Lindsey Gileski
“I'm so glad I had this opportunity to decide what I wanted to do, and I was able to choose my own path.”
Molly Novakowski in nursing lab
“It’s a challenging program, that’s for sure.”
Sayema Matin
“There are resources here to help you excel at every aspect of your life.”
Ali C.
“Honestly, I'd say Hudson Valley is a hidden gem. Every class I'm taking will probably transfer.”
Rasul Ali learned some life lessons the hard way but now, nearly six years after starting the Engineering Science program, his perseverance is on display.  A graduate of Green Tech High School in Albany, Rasul started his higher education at the College of Saint Rose back in 2012, but he admits that he simply wasn't prepared to make that leap from high school to college. After a single semester, he was out of school and working a two jobs to make ends meet and pay off his college debt.  \u201CI got kind of overwhelmed by being in school full-time and working almost full-time and I fell flat. I wasn't managing my time so I dropped out and just kept working,\u201D he said.  After a few years out in the working world, Rasul knew he could accomplish more. Gradually, he started taking a few classes at Hudson Valley through the Office of Continuing Education. \u201CI enrolled in one course and then the next semester I enrolled in another and then I just kept going,\u201D he said. \u201CBy the second or third semester, I knew I wanted to study Engineering Science so that was my focus, but I still had a lot of things in my way.\u201D   With the Spring 2019 semester looming, Rasul realized that if he went back full-time and took four courses, he could finish his degree and make plans to transfer. That\u2019s just what he'll be doing, five and a half years after he started at Hudson Valley.  One person who will watch with pride as Rasul crosses the stage at commencement is his mom. \u201CShe always saw my potential. She was one of those parents who even if you got a 90, she was saying \u2018how come this wasn't a 95?\u2019 so yeah she'll be there. She held the bar high for me.\u201D Rasul has some scholarship opportunities and is weighing his financial aid options as he looks to continue his education but he said he looks back with real pride to his accomplishments at Hudson Valley. \u201CI remember back just trying to get through Calc I and thinking \u2018how am I ever going to do this?, but it\u2019s happening. I look at this as a check point. I just want to keep going.\u201D
“I look at this as a check point. I just want to keep going.”
Steve W. sitting at a table in the Learning Assistance Center
“Wouldn't it be great if I can do this for a living some day?”
Siri W. at a car dealership
“This is exactly the position I had in mind when enrolling at HVCC.”
Tony C. on campus
“I think it was really good that I started at Hudson Valley because it prepared me not just academically but mentally.”
Jenny R. and Millie R. sitting at a table
“There really aren't a lot of summer camps that are fun and not just child care for kids that age.”
Severina Rivers at commencement
“I'm going to celebrate this graduation, because I put a lot of work into this. You need to celebrate the triumphs in your life.”
Valerie Eagle
“I'm telling my story to make a difference in peoples' lives.”
Sean Lachhander
“In high school, I really wasn't motivated by education. I decided I'm going to go to Hudson Valley, get my two-year, and then transfer.”
Saad M. in a computer lab
“I always had it in my mind that I needed to go back to school and continue college and the people here have been so helpful.”
Noreen Sharkey in a hair studio
“Going back to school is no joke. It takes work and discipline, but it's so fulfilling.”
Nick McSpedon in the automotive lab
“It makes you feel good to help someone out.”
Minling Lee on campus
“The professors make me feel as though I am living with a ‘large family’ while I am studying at Hudson Valley.”
Mary Kate Robinson at a Foundation reception
“I’ve been connected with the college in some way since 1972, and I have a strong attachment to this place.”
Jenny Edwards at commencement
“It’s humbling to be back in college. But my professor, Eileen Mahoney, took the time to help me through that first semester.”
Grace Harrison speaking at commencement
“I remember meeting with the admissions director. She planted the idea that I could get to Cornell from here.”
Debora Nova in a lab
“Try every day toward your goal. Work hard. Be unstoppable. Do it every day, and don't give up.”
Danielle C. in the Collegiate Academic Support Program office
“CASP gave me everything I needed to succeed and a chance to help others. I made some really great friends.”
Tyler Sims at commencement
“With his grades on the rise, he returned to the football field the following fall.”
Arnela Mahmutovic in an art studio
“The Fine Arts community at Hudson Valley is something special.”