HVCC Celebrates President Michael S. Brophy’s Inauguration at Foundation Gala, Raises More Than $175,000

October 16, 2026

The Hudson Valley Community College Foundation hosted its annual Gala on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Franklin Plaza ballroom in Troy, where it celebrated the inauguration of Dr. Michael S. Brophy as the college’s eighth president.

More than 250 attendees were present for this year’s event, which was sponsored by numerous regional organizations and raised more than $175,000, a record-breaking amount. Proceeds will support several Foundation initiatives at the college, including scholarships, the Student Emergency Fund, and the Honors College.

“We are honored by the unprecedented generosity of a record number of donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners at the 2026 Foundation Inauguration Gala,” said Hudson Valley Community College Foundation Executive Director Casey Crandall. “This extraordinary outpouring of support reflects the community’s strong confidence in and commitment to the leadership of President Brophy. The funds raised at this year’s gala will directly support Hudson Valley’s students, and we are grateful for the support of all who contributed and attended the event.”

Dr. Brophy began his tenure as president of Hudson Valley Community College in August 2025. Since his arrival, he has proven himself to be an exceptional leader with a strong vision for the future of the college and the community. During his first year as president, he spearheaded several important new initiatives, including expanding student support services, growing enrollment, strengthening the college’s relationships with workforce and community partners, and expanding Hudson Valley’s regional presence as a leader in higher education.

Originally from Greene County, Dr. Brophy began his academic journey and professional career in the Capital Region and brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education to Hudson Valley, 20 of which he has spent as a college president. Throughout his career he has served at a number of collegiate institutions, including as president of Hilbert College in Buffalo, Benedictine University, and Marymount California University; dean and executive officer at the University of Wisconsin Baraboo campus, associate provost at Long Island University, and dean of enrollment at SUNY's Canton campus. A Fulbright recipient, Dr. Brophy has taught English, Film, Cuban Arts and Culture, Higher Education, Leadership and Freshman Seminar classes, with teaching appointments at Long Island University, the University of Wisconsin Colleges, Marymount California University, Russell Sage College, and Benedictine University.

Dr. Brophy earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Long Island University, and a Master of Arts in English, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music, from The College of Saint Rose.

Major sponsors of this year’s event included:

Platinum Dinner Sponsor

• HVCC Faculty Association

Gold Cocktail Reception Sponsors

• Business for Good Foundation
• GlobalFoundries
• Rensselaer County IDA
• United Group
• University at Albany Foundation

Silver Entertainment Sponsors

• Albany International Airport
• Atlas Copco
• BBL Companies
• Beacon Bank
• Callanan Industries
• Cerity Partners
• Fenimore Asset Management
• NY CREATES
• JMZ Architects and Planners
• Trane
• Turner Construction Company

Friends of the Foundation

• The Brophy Family
• Capital Region Chamber & CEG
• CDPHP
• CDTA
• CSArch
• Franklin Plaza
• Tom and Eileen Grant
• Hodgson Russ, LLP
• JPMorgan Chase
• Marshall + Sterling
• Mosaic
• National Grid
• St. Peter’s Health Partners
• Sunmark Credit Union
• UHY, Inc.
• Gordon N. Zuckerman ’62